Lehmann to miss Australia ODI series in New Zealand

Australia coach Darren Lehmann will miss his team’s one-day international series in New Zealand as he continues to recover from deep vein thrombosis.

Lehmann has yet to receive medical clearance to fly ahead of the squad’s departure on Monday.

Australia will contest the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy over a series of three one-day games against the Kiwis in New Zealand, starting February 3, but they will do so without their coach who has been at the helm since 2013.

Cricket Australia chief medical officer Dr John Orchard said Lehmann’s condition was not serious and he could yet be declared fit to travel for the two-Test series in New Zealand which starts on February 13.

“Darren is in good health and feeling well at the moment, but is still awaiting medical clearance for us to be satisfied that it is safe for him to fly,” he said.

“As such he will not travel to New Zealand for the one-day international series.

“He is meeting with specialists in Sydney later this week and will have repeat scans on Friday to check his progress.

“It is anticipated he will be fit to resume work in the coming weeks.”

Cricket Australia executive general manager of team performance Pat Howard said the coach’s health was the main priority, adding a decision was still to be made on an interim coach.

Michael Di Venuto is currently acting as interim coach for Australia’s Twenty20 series against India.

“The health and wellbeing of our players and staff is always our first priority and that’s certainly the case with Darren,” Howard said.

“We will await medical advice from the specialists before we make any decisions regarding an interim coaching role for the limited-overs series in New Zealand.

“We have strong depth in our coaching ranks and will make that decision in due course.

“It is anticipated that Darren will make it back for the Test series, but as with all the decisions we make, we will be guided by medical advice.”