Symonds to replace injured Lehmann for Travelex Tour of Kenya

Australian one-day international batsman Darren Lehmann will miss the Travelex Tour of Kenya after consultation between Australian Cricket Board (ACB) doctor Trefor James and the National Selection Panel (NSP) last night (18 August).

He will be replaced in the 14-man squad for the Tri-Nations Cup involving Australia, Pakistan and Kenya by Queensland Bulls all-rounder Andrew Symonds.

Dr James recommended to the NSP that Lehmann's fractured little finger be re-assessed in another fortnight to monitor the healing process.

Lehmann injured the finger on his left hand while playing for English county side Yorkshire.

NSP Chairman Trevor Hohns said advice received from Dr James clearly highlighted the need to give Lehmann added healing time.

"The advice we have received from Dr James was very clear, in that Darren's injury is still quite fresh and needs time to completely heal," Hohns said.

"With that being the case, we have been advised that he will need a further medical examination in another fortnight during which time the team will have departed for Kenya.

"Our reason for leaving Darren out of the squad was primarily two-fold. Firstly we don't want to rush him back and run the risk of him injuring the finger again and secondly we want to ensure that the squad we send overseas is as close to 100 per cent fit as possible.

"His next medical examination will determine his fitness for the ICC Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka and that was another consideration in allowing him extra time to recover.

"Whilst this is a disappointing time for Darren, it is also a terrific opportunity for Andy Symonds who has displayed some encouraging form for Kent in English country cricket," he said.

Symonds, who last represented Australia during the 2001-02 VB Series will not be part of Australia's International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy campaign in Sri Lanka.

Subject to a medical clearance, Darren Lehmann will assume his place in the side.

Instead, Symonds will join the Australia A squad for the remainder of its series against South Africa A, due to commence in Potchefstroom on 4 September.