While the start of Australia’s red-ball training camp in Sydney was washed out on Tuesday, Lehmann welcomed the opportunity to spend more time with squad newcomers Cameron Bancroft and Andrew Fekete.
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The camp will involve centre wicket and net practice across both days, Cricket Australia said.
The Australian is concerned that he will be lacking match fitness when the Test series with the Kiwis starts next month, admitting he is anxious about fielding with his bare hand.
“It will be pretty easy, I think they’re all good kids”, Lehmann told the Cricket Australia website.
The selectors will have to find at least five new players for next month’s three-Test home series against New Zealand following the recent retirements of captain Michael Clarke, opener Chris Rogers, all-rounder Shane Watson, paceman Ryan Harris and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin. “I can’t remember the last time a whole Australia side played the majority of the (domestic) one-day cricket (competition)”, Lehmann said. Australia’s Test side will be announced during the round of matches that Warner is hoping to feature and the left-hander said if he plays the Sheffield Shield game, he should be fine to play the Test the following week. “I think a lot of the players coming through at the moment, they’re top-order players, so there’s a good chance I’ll be batting at No 4”.
“I would like to play a shield game”.
“I haven’t faced the pink ball since I was at the Academy in 2009 and it felt like the ball left a bit of a trail behind it. I imagine they’d have made a few improvements since then, so I’m looking forward to playing in that game”. “I’ve got to look at that and identify the partner I’m with to try to get the best out to them and for my own peace of mind”.
Lehmann said Tuesday he sees no problem in introducing young players to a team now captained by Steve Smith.
“There is a lack of experience there, but we all have confidence in Steve leading this team forward”. Warner said he did not expect the “privilege” of knowing who his partner would be ahead of that time. I think there’s going to be a few experienced guys around the group – which is going to be good – but it’s a pretty new team. They know how we want to play and how we want to behave and act.
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“And I will help him tactically if he needs my help on the field… but he knows the game so well”.
