Share

Lehmann backs Smith's SL series opt out

Sydney - Australia coach Darren Lehmann has backed the decision to rest skipper Steve Smith for the remaining one-day international series against Sri Lanka after criticism from ex-captain Michael Clarke, reports said on Friday.

Smith will miss three ODIs and two Twenty20 games to return home and prepare for next month's one-day series in South Africa.

Smith played in all three losing Tests against the Sri Lankans and the first two one-day internationals before it was announced he would fly home to rest up.

Clarke, who retired after last year's Ashes defeat in England, expressed his surprise at the decision.

"I would of (sic) liked to have seen the captain play until the series was won and then have a rest," World Cup-winning skipper Clarke said on social media.

"In the same breath if Smithy needed a break then he should have flown home after the Test matches not 2x ODIs in."

Former Test opener Michael Slater echoed Clarke's sentiments, but Lehmann said he had no issue with their comments.

"It's obviously a burden but a great burden captaining your country," Lehmann was quoted as saying in Australian newspapers on Friday.

"We just wanted to make sure that he's fresh and ready to go for South Africa and then the big (domestic) summer ahead.

"We planned that for a long time and he took some convincing. But as a coach and a selection panel we're making sure he's fresh and ready to go each and every time he plays for Australia."

Lehmann said he had no problems with Clarke's criticism.

"We respect our former captains and former greats who have an opinion," Lehmann told The Daily Telegraph.

"But we think it's the best thing for Steven to get him right and ready to go.

"It's hard work captaining in all three formats. So we're just making sure he gets a small break, and we're only talking an extra week or two."

David Warner will take over the Australia captaincy in Sri Lanka for the rest of the tour.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE