Darren Lehmann feels he has ‘second lease on life’

Former Australia batsman and coach Darren Lehmann was fearful he would not wake up from a triple heart bypass earlier this year but the unfortunate episode has given him a “a second lease on life”.
Lehmann, who won two World Cups as a player and oversaw Australia’s 2015 triumph as well as their 5-0 Ashes whitewash the year before, was admitted to a Brisbane hospital with chest pains on February 4 – the day before his 50th birthday.
An angiogram highlighted three blockages in blood vessels in the heart and the next eight days proved life-changing for Lehmann.
He told www.cricket.com.au: “You’re fearful because you just don’t know what’s going to happen in the end. You get to the stage where you go ‘Am I going to wake up?’
“Not knowing what was wrong … it’s always the not knowing (that’s hardest); once you know, it’s OK – you start to get some answers, start to get some confidence from the surgeons and the nurses.”
After being successfully operated on, Lehmann, whose disregard for physical fitness and dietary regimes was well known in his playing days, has made some alterations to his lifestyle, including quitting smoking and cutting down on drinking.
He added: “I’ve had a lot of learnings from it. You move forward. I’m feeling better now, but still quite sore in the chest at times. You hope everything’s healing, and you have good days and really bad days, and you pick and choose how you deal with them.
“It’s been a second lease on life. I don’t get angry anymore, or frustrated. You just see things for what they are. There’s a lot of people out there in more unfortunate scenarios than me.”
Lehmann also revealed he has spoken to current Australia coach Justin Langer about the strain the job can have.
“It’s a life span – how long can you keep doing it before it does change you?” he added.
“I said to (Langer) the other day, that in a weird way, this is a really good enforced break for him right now… I think it will be good for his coaching and good for him as a person.
“It’s still fun; the playing and the coaching and the planning side of it is always fun.
“It’s everything else – dealing with the politics of the game … and the travel, and being away from your family – that’s what makes it tough.”
Latest
-
News
Edgbaston officials to investigate allegations of racist abuse among crowd
The claims were highlighted by former cricketer Azeem Rafiq.
-
News
Alex Lees: England have ultimate belief they can complete chase against India
India set the winning line at 378, higher than any England side has ever managed, but the hosts need just 119 more with seven wickets in hand.
-
News
Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow leave England daring to dream against India
No England side has ever hunted down more than 359 but they have their eyes set on a record chase of 378 at Edgbaston.
-
England
England make quick inroads into record chase against India
Alex Lees and Zak Crawley put on 107 for the first wicket after the hosts were set 378 to win.
-
England
England face record run chase despite four wickets on fourth morning of fifth Test
India took their lead beyond 360 at Edgbaston in the series decider.
-
England
England ready to chase down any target India set, says Jonny Bairstow
The tourists established a commanding position, despite Bairstow’s knock of 106.
-
England
England still battling to contain India despite Jonny Bairstow century heroics
Bairstow’s 106 contained 14 boundaries and two sixes, but England still gave up a 132-run lead after being bowled out for 284.
-
England
Jonny Bairstow century heroics for England not enough to keep India at bay
Bairstow made 106 in typically rambunctious style, with 14 boundaries and two sixes.
-
News
In-form Jonny Bairstow leads England charge against India in Edgbaston decider
The Yorkshireman raced to 91 not out as England progressed to 200 for six.
-
News
James Anderson expects England to maintain their aggressive approach
India are in control of Ben Stokes’ team at Edgbaston.