Darren Lehmann warns about pre-judging players’ character
DARREN Lehmann has warned Australia of the pitfalls of enforcing the so-called ‘David Warner rule’ in its push for a purified public image.
Cricket
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cricket. Followed categories will be added to My News.
DARREN Lehmann has warned Australia of the pitfalls of enforcing the so-called ‘David Warner rule’ in its push for a purified public image.
One of the most intriguing recommendations made by the exhaustive independent cultural review was a push for player character to officially become a selection criteria for picking Australian teams.
Cricket Australia has indicated they will formally legislate the change to their selection policy in a move many have interpreted as a backside-covering measure CA could use to justify not picking the world’s most explosive opening batsman if Warner is not rushed back into the fold as soon as his 12-month ban is up.
There remains hesitation from some players and board members to Warner returning to the dressing room, although ultimately the decision will come down to new coach, Justin Langer.
Langer’s predecessor Lehmann declared that Warner should be welcomed back.
Lehmann said that making a selection criteria that tries to pre-judge a person’s character would be a dangerous precedent to set.
MORE CRICKET NEWS:
ANDREW SYMONDS’ TORTUROUS CONFESSION
NEW CA BOSS’S ATTEMPT TO SOOTHE PLAYER TENSIONS
“I hope (he comes back). He’s a world class player and you need world class players,” said Lehmann, who will help head Fox Cricket’s exclusive coverage of the ODI series against South Africa starting on Sunday in Perth.
“The good bloke theory, that’s been around for ages, we’ve done that as well at certain times.
“You can’t just discount people. People can change as well.
“You’ve got to make sure that you’re not missing out on a bloke who has changed who might have made a few mistakes along the way.
“You’ve got to be careful of that selection policy as such. I understand where they’re going with it but you’ve got to make sure you’re still picking a really good XI to represent the country.”
Former National Selector Rod Marsh, another integral member of recent Australian team culture, writes in his new autobiography that “For all the doubters, I promise you David is a very good man.”
Lehmann makes no apologies for supporting Warner’s natural “street fighter” traits, but denies pitching him in as the team’s attack dog.
The coach who resigned in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal said Warner would be acutely aware of the fact he will have to make changes to his playing style if he returns to the Australian team.
“It’s hard. He’s naturally an aggressive player. That’s the way he plays the game. That’s the way he plays his best cricket,” said Lehmann.
“He’s going to have to watch that moving forward, and he knows that better than most to be fair.
“It’s one of those catch 22s … we love that about him yet for some people it polarises and they don’t like it.
“What is the best way?
“He’s going to have to find that right balance moving forward.
“He’s an up and go sort of character the way he goes about it. He’s always going to be upbeat the way he plays and acts and he’s a fighter. He’s a street fighter.
“You’ve got to have those blokes in your side and you’ve got to hopefully make sure they make the right decisions.”
Every Test, ODI, T20I, and BBL match live & ad-break free during play. SIGN UP TODAY!
Originally published as Darren Lehmann warns about pre-judging players’ character
David Warner to bring ‘fireworks’ in new gig
He may be retired from international cricket but fans will still get a glimpse of David Warner this summer, with the veteran landing a new gig.
Cricket star retires mid-innings for birth of child
Former Test all-rounder Hilton Cartwright took the remarkable step to retire mid-innings on 52 not out to attend the birth of his second child after complications around the birth arose.