AUSTRALIA COACH LEHMANN HOSPITALISED

Sydney, Australia cricket coach Darren Lehmann has been hospitalised with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) here on Saturday.

Lehmann reported a swollen left calf to the team’s medical staff ahead of the fifth One Day International (ODI) against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground and was immediately referred for a scan that revealed the issue. The former Australia batsman was admitted to the Royal Prince Albert Hospital in Sydney for observation overnight during the India innings in Saturday’s match and will receive treatment for the condition.

“DVT is not an uncommon condition and it is important to diagnose it early so that it can be safely managed,” Cricket Australia’s chief medical officer John Orchard was quoted as saying in a release.

“On that basis we were fortunate to have PRP Imaging next to the Sydney Cricket Ground so we could get the scan done promptly. Darren is stable but he has been advised not to fly in the short term and will therefore require a lay-off before he can return to coaching,” he added.

Lehmann’s wife Andrea was notified of the situation and the Australia players were told following the completion of Saturday’s match.

In Lehmann’s absence, Australia batting coach Michael di Venuto will guide the team during the upcoming Twenty20 series against India, with matches in Adelaide (January 26), Melbourne (January 29) and Sydney (January 31).

“Our first thoughts and concerns are obviously with Darren and his family — health is more important than any cricket match. Everyone at Cricket Australia wishes him a speedy recovery,” Cricket Australia’s executive general manager (team performance) Pat Howard said.

“We plan for all eventualities and on that basis Michael Di Venuto, who has previously coached Australia A in 2014, will step up to fill Darren’s role as Head Coach for the KFC Twenty20 International Series. We will assess the situation on the basis of medical advice and with Darren’s best interests in mind over the coming days,” he added.