The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Lehmann backs Aussies to break the jinx

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Wednesday, Oct 04, 2006
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Lehmann backs Aussies to break the jinx

Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Former Australian cricketer Darren Lehmann has backed Ricky Ponting's men to overcome the Champions Trophy bogey when they travel to India later this month. The ability to raise its game in big matches would help Australia add the only major trophy that has eluded it to an overflowing cabinet, said the 36-year-old left-hander.

"They'd be pretty keyed up to win this," Lehmann — part of three unsuccessful Champions Trophy campaigns — told The Hindu here on Tuesday. "They've changed the format now. You've only got the top eight teams. There's the league stage where you don't have to win every match to get through, and then the knockout semifinals, and when it gets to there, Australia usually play pretty well. That it's being played in India gives some of the sub-continental teams a bit of an advantage, so Australia will be looking to start well."

India formidable

How did he view India's chances? "They've got some quality young players. Greg Chappell has obviously made a decision to step forward in the right direction. He's technically one of the best coaches I've worked with. Rahul Dravid captains the side very well. You've got one of the best players, if not the best player in Tendulkar, so they'll be a formidable side in the Champions Trophy."

On criticism of Australia being an ageing side on its last legs, Lehmann said, "The old blokes can't keep playing. They are still quality players — they'll be the driving force behind victory. But, it's good to see these young kids doing so well. As long as they learn under the players that have played for a long time, under a Gilchrist, a McGrath, a Warne, a Hayden, then they'll be as good as them at some stage."

Where did he stand on the Oval Test forfeiture controversy? "It's just not good for the game. Full stop. We'd liked it to have turned out a different way. The ICC has dealt with it, Pakistan has dealt with it, and Darrell (Hair) has dealt with it. You don't lose your umpiring abilities overnight. He (Hair) certainly hasn't changed from being one of the best, so we hope to see him on the international scene sooner rather than later."

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