Lehmann hit by deep-vein thrombosis

Darren Lehmann has been struck down with deep-vein thrombosis as he recovers from an operation on his Achilles tendon. John Porter, South Australia's physiotherapist, said the problem had been discovered during a routine check-up.

However, the Redbacks believe the condition will not harm Lehmann's chances of playing the first match of 2007-08. "It has been identified early and Darren will undergo blood-thinning treatment for the next three months," Porter told The Advertiser.

"We are very confident that this will not delay his recovery from the Achilles operation, and that he will be fit to play with the Redbacks when the season starts in October." Lehmann will be in the unfamiliar position of playing under a new South Australia captain next season.

By his own high standards, Lehmann struggled for form in 2006-07, scoring one century and totaling 607 runs at 40.46. However, he was still one of the best performers in a disappointing batting line-up.