13 facts about Darren Lehmann: The masterly Aussie coach

Darren Lehmann was a prolific batsman for Australia who was a part of two World Cup-winning squads. He was primarily an aggressive left-handed batsman but was also a useful part-time left-arm orthodox bowler. Lehmann’s batting technique was little unconventional, he took guard out side the leg stump, and, would step back and comes across toward the off stump just before the ball was delivered. As a left-arm spinner, he was relatively accurate but had little ability to turn the ball. The flabby all-rounder was known for his disregard for physical fitness and modern dietary regimes. Post retirement, Lehmann has now successfully transitioned into the role of coaching.

1.Birth:

Darren Scott Lehmann was born on February 5, 1970 in the country town of Gawler, South Australia.

2. Early life:

Lehmann left school at the age of 16 to work on the assembly line of Holden car manufacturers in Elizabeth, South Australia.

3. True Australian sportsperson:

Just like many other Australian Cricketers, Lehmann played Aussie Rules football as a youngster. He had played for the Central Districts and Gawler.

4. Factory life over Cricket!

Lehmann’s talent was recognised at a young age and he was supposed to be a part of the newly formed Australian Centre of Excellence. But, he declined selection citing his enjoyment of the factory life.

5. Domestic Debut:

Lehmann entered the first-class scene as a 17-year-old in the 1987/88 season for South Australia against Victoria at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

6. Contention for National selection:

In 1989/90, Lehmann came into contention for national selection after scoring over 700 runs in the first half of the season. He was drafted into the Australian squad for the New Year’s Test against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground after both openers David Boon and Geoff Marsh were injured.

7. Brutal Bouncer:

In 1988/89, South Australia were at the bottom of the ladder, when coach Barry Richards called Lehmann into the team, playing against Western Australia at the WACA. Lehmann remembered little of the match; after being struck in the right temple by a Bruce Reid bouncer he was knocked unconscious and temporarily ceased breathing.

8. Test debut:

It was only eight years after first appearing in the selector’s radar that Lehmann got his chance to wear the baggy green. He debuted against India at Bangalore in 1998.

9. Nickname:

Lehmann is famously known as ‘Boof’ in the cricketing circles and journalists. He was nicknamed ‘Boof’ by his school friend Johnny Giannetto. Speaking to Daily Telegraph, Giannetto said, “Because he had a boofhead. It was a bit of tit for tat, we were both calling each other names, as you do and you’ve only got to look at him to see he’s got a boofhead.”

10. Retirement and life thereafter:

Lehmann announced his retirement from first-class cricket in November 2007, two years after retiring from ODI cricket. He last played Test for his country in 2004. After retiring, he slowly moved into coaching and has since coached the IPL teams Deccan Chargers from 2009 to 2012 and Kings XI Punjab in 2013. He also coached Queensland side during the 2010/11 KFC Twenty20 Big Bash in place of Trevor Barsby, who had resigned. In June 2013, Lehmann replaced Mickey Arthur as the coach of the Australian cricket team and is currently with them.

11. Indian Premier League:

Very few remember that Darren Lehmann has featured in the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2008. Lehmann played two matches and scored 18 runs, featuring alongside Warne for Rajasthan Royals.

12. Talented son:

Lehmann’s son Jake plays for South Australia and is also a part of Big Bash franchise Adelaide Striker. Jake, like his illustrious father, is also a left-handed batsman.

13. English Connection:

Lehmann was a part of the Yorkshire team and it was there that he met Andrea, his future wife. They married in 1999. Apparently, his wife Andrea was Craig White’s sister, his team mate and England all-rounder. ESPNcricinfo noted that Lehmann had a tough time convincing his future wife that he was a cricketer, given his bulk. White and Lehmann then faced off in international cricket, playing for their respective national sides.