Darren Lehmann: News

A swashbuckling South Australian southpaw who began his first-class career in the 1987-88 season for South Australia, it took Darren Lehmann nine years before he made his international debut, in an ODI against Sri Lanka in 1996. Known for his disregard for fitness as a player, Lehmann was one of those players blessed with innate aggression and class. His aggression, however, never stopped him from a load of runs. An average of 45 in Tests, 39 in ODIs, and 58 in first-class cricket show how run-hungry Lehmann was in his playing days. Before Mike Hussey broke his record, Lehmann held the record for playing most first-class matches and scoring most first-class runs before being picked for the Australian team. Lehmann's inability to make the national team coincided with the time Bob Simpson coached Australia. Simpson saw Lehmann's lack of respect for fitness and diet as a problem. Lehmann made his Test debut in 1998 against India. A man for big moments, he played an important role in Australia's World Cup wins in 1999 and 2003. In 2007, he called it quits. Later, his coaching success domestically led to him being named the Australian coach in 2013, and his contract ended in 2019.