Lehmann: Aussies are rusty but ready
Australia coach Darren Lehmann has take the pressure off his players heading into the tri-series against South Africa and hosts Zimbabwe, conceding that they will be a bit 'rusty' after not playing for five months.
Australia coach Darren Lehmann has take the pressure off his players heading into the tri-series against South Africa and hosts Zimbabwe, conceding that they will be a bit 'rusty' after not playing for five months.
The Aussies go to Zimbabwe to start their World Cup preparations, having not played an international since the World Twenty20 in April, and Lehmann felt it was a good break after a long year of two Ashes, a tour to South Africa and other series.
Lehmann said: "Professionally, everyone was tired – coaches were tired, players were very tired, and they did an amazing amount of work in 12 months. So to get a break before we go on the road for two years was pretty important.
"Now the [challenge] is getting us back up to the skill level that we need to compete at international cricket. We've got Zimbabwe and South Africa and then we've obviously got a big test in the UAE. I think everyone is jumping out, they just want to play.
"We're going to be a bit rusty with the skills, but that's okay. We're gonna make mistakes, but that's okay. What we need to do is build and build and build to become a better Test side, a better one-day side, a better Twenty20 side."
He was then asked about batsman Phil Hughes' chances of playing in Zimbabwe, and Lehmann said that he hoped everyone would get a go, but that they would start out at full strength and go from there.
He added of Hughes: "He's in the squad and if he gets a chance I'm sure he'll take it. We have to find the right balance, whoever that is, whether that's Phillip in or not in for the first game, we have to sum up the conditions.
"We have to make sure we get away to a good start, so we'll be at full-strength early and then see what happens with the tournament from there, how the wickets play and whether it spins or doesn't."
Latest
-
NewsWill Jacks: Wicket of Babar Azam could be a game-changing moment for England
Jacks finished the day with three for 132 from 32 overs.
-
NewsEngland rewarded for perseverance as late Pakistan wickets offer hope of victory
The hosts slid to 499 for seven at the end of day three in Rawalpindi, with England leading by 158 runs.
-
NewsThe Hundred would cost ‘a few billion’ – ECB chair Richard Thompson
Reports last month suggested private equity company Bridgepoint Group had made a £400million offer for 75 per cent of the tournament.
-
NewsEngland bowlers toil as Babar Azam’s century guides Pakistan to 411 at tea
England made inroads into the Pakistan batting line-up in the morning, with Jack Leach taking two wickets, but there was little on offer after lunch.
-
NewsFormer Australia captain Ricky Ponting ‘feeling great’ after heart scare
The 47-year-old was taken to hospital in Perth after feeling unwell while working as a television pundit on Friday.
-
NewsEngland make inroads as Pakistan reach 298 for three at lunch
The hosts went into the break well behind England’s impressive first-innings total of 657.
-
NewsIt’s a special place – England’s Kate Cross looking forward to West Indies tour
The seamer made her international bow in Barbados in 2013.
-
NewsHarry Brook confident England can take the wickets needed to beat Pakistan
The tourists toiled in the field on day two after being bowled out before lunch for 657.
-
NewsEngland made to toil after Pakistan pile on the runs in reply to 657 all out
Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique both moved towards centuries for the hosts.
-
NewsFormer Australia captain Ricky Ponting taken to hospital after feeling unwell
The 47-year-old had been commentating for Channel 7.