Darren Lehmann has dismissed speculation linking him to the vacant England Test coaching position. Speaking after guiding Northamptonshire to a record-equalling third T20 Blast title at Edgbaston, the former Australia head coach indicated he was not interested in the role, noting that he was uncertain his wife would want him spending 300 days a year away from home again.
Lehmann, who resigned from his post as Australia's head coach following the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, joined Northamptonshire last year and recently signed a contract extension keeping him at the club until 2029. He currently balances his coaching duties with broadcast work for ABC Radio in Australia during the English winter. Regarding the England vacancy created by the sacking of Brendon McCullum, Lehmann suggested the ECB had likely already finalized their decision behind the scenes.
The ECB's search for a new head coach in the wake of McCullum's recent sacking from the Test job was knocked back on Friday when Andy Flower, the early favourite for the role, ruled himself out of contention. Lehmann is not believed to be on the shortlist of potential candidates, though his name has featured in some speculation. Other figures, including Stephen Fleming, Justin Langer, and Richard Dawson, have been identified as leading contenders. Fleming, who recently stepped down as coach of the Chennai Super Kings, has stated he would give the role 100% consideration if approached.
Lehmann also praised the leadership of 36-year-old captain David Willey during Northamptonshire's successful T20 Blast campaign. He highlighted Willey's relentless attention to detail and his drive for constant improvement as key factors in the team's success. Describing the trophy win as a significant career achievement, Lehmann emphasized that despite Northamptonshire being a smaller club with a limited budget, they consistently compete at a high level. He noted that he was particularly proud of the squad's ability to win such a major trophy.
Northants lifted the Blast trophy on Saturday night after tight defences against Somerset and Hampshire, and Lehmann said that David Willey deserved huge credit for his leadership after captaining the county to the title at the age of 36.
"He's one of the blokes I'd first pick in any side. I just love the way he goes about it. He's trying to get better; he's not standing still as a 36-year-old… That takes some balls to get better. That's something I'm really proud of him [for]."
