Lehmann ruled out of New Zealand series

Darren Lehmann has been ruled out of the Test series against New Zealand and will have shoulder surgery next week. Lehmann, who will lead South Australia in the Pura Cup match against Western Australia beginning on Thursday, aggravated the injury that restricts his bowling and throwing actions, but is confident of fighting his way back for the Ashes series in July.

"I want to get the shoulder right so that I am fit and ready for selection for the Ashes later in the year," he said. "I am keen to play for the Redbacks this week, and have been assured that I will not set back my recovery by doing so. However, the shoulder would not stand up to the rigors of three Test matches."

Lehmann, 35, was dropped for Australia's last Test against Pakistan in January and his place was in doubt for the New Zealand Test tour once he was cut from the one-day squad last month. The injury delays the decision on his international future and Trevor Hohns, the chairman of selectors, said he would be considered for England. "It is important that he has this surgery to enable him to continue his cricketing career in the future," Hohns said.

Lehmann will at least provide the Redbacks' awful batting line-up with some class as they attempt to lift from the bottom of the table against the Warriors, who lead the competition on 36 points. After Lehmann scored a brutal 104 against Queensland last Saturday, South Australia collapsed for a mere 200, and they face more stringent tests at the WACA from Thursday.

Tom Plant is missing from the Brisbane squad and has been replaced by Shane Deitz. Western Australia will name their side tomorrow as they push to earn the right to host the final, which starts on March 18.

South Australia Greg Blewett, Shane Deitz, Darren Lehmann (capt), Daniel Harris, Callum Ferguson, Nathan Adcock, Cameron Borgas, Graham Manou (wk), Daniel Cullen, Ryan Harris, Paul Rofe, Shaun Tait.