Jake Lehmann is out to become the complete package that earns Test selection

JAKE Lehmann reveals how the South Australian captaincy has boosted his push a for a national call-up and made him a more complete cricketer.

South Australian skipper Jake Lehmann acknowledges a half century during the Sheffield Shield match between South Australia and New South Wales at Adelaide Oval. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz.

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JAKE Lehmann will hand back the South Australian captaincy to Test No.4 Travis Head but not the ‘game awareness’ making him the complete package national selectors are hunting.

The next three Sheffield Shield rounds will shape hapless Australia’s first Test XI against India in Adelaide.

Lehmann enjoys a better first-class average than the majority of Australia’s incumbent Test batsman but his maturity at the crease as skipper this season has been telling.

Redback Jake Lehmann said carrying the responsibility of the captaincy has boosted his game awareness. Picture SARAH REED

Lehmann followed a JLT Cup one-day average of 50 with 61 and match-saving, undefeated 33 off 126 balls on a sticky Adelaide strip against New South Wales last week.

“You are more game aware a lot faster and that is what is helping my batting. I feel really good at the moment,” said Lehmann, averaging 39.5 after 38 first-class matches.

“Captaincy can go one of two ways. The best way to lead is performing and I feel like I am doing that and trying to win those tough moments.”

Lehmann, 26, has found the technical and mental composure to match an impressive record of six first-class tons entering this season.

Combine consistency with hundreds and Lehmann will present a compelling case for Test inclusion following Australia’s batting frailty against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.

Usman Khawaja’s knee injury has accentuated Australia’s batting concerns. Lehmann and Callum Ferguson can pressure Test rookie Marnus Labuschagne in the Shield clash against champion Queensland starting Thursday where opener Matt Renshaw will target time in the middle.

“Those big hundreds get you knocking on the door. That is something I will look to do in the next few games,” Lehmann told The Advertiser.

“There is opportunity around Australia at the moment and if you do get runs, you get a chance.”

Jake Lehmann of the Redbacks plays a shot on his way to leading SA to a draw against NSW in last week’s Sheffield Shield clash. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz

Adelaide has gone from paradise to batting badland in recent seasons, sporting a seam-friendly strip.

Lehmann notes a batsman never feels truly set at Adelaide Oval making runs count against a Bulls attack welcoming back Test squad pair Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser.

“If you do get 100 out there you have thoroughly earnt it,” said Lehmann.

Head’s second innings half-century (72) salvaged a first Test draw with Khawaja in Dubai and the popular left-hander has been missed.

“It will be awesome to have him back. It’s exciting to see your mates do well,” he said.