Lehmann takes new coaching role with Cricket Australia

Darren Lehmann is set to join Cricket Australia's (CA) National Performance Program in a new coaching role and will work under the program's head coach Troy Cooley. Lehmann is expected to take charge on 28 May and will continue in the role until October.

The 47-year-old will be working with former Australia cricketers Ryan Harris and Chris Rogers, who will be overseeing the development of the National Performance Squad (NPS) during the winter season.

While Lehmann will predominantly be involved with the NPS, he will also look after other pathways programs within the CA set-up.

Lehmann had been contracted by CA as the head coach of Australia's senior men's cricket team until 2019 but resigned in the immediate aftermath of the ball-tampering controversy during the Cape Town Test against South Africa in March. He was, however, cleared of any involvement in the controversy.

"I had a good chat with Boof [Lehmann] and he was really keen to continue his coaching," Cooley told cricket.com.au.

“He'll work with our targeted group of NPS players, but we'll also have our specialist blocks come in. They'll all be able to talk to Darren about playing on subcontinental wickets, get his T20 thoughts, one-day and long-format thoughts about how to play and how to adjust your training.”

On Lehmann's association with Harris and Rogers, Cooley said, "It's also great experience for our coaches in Ryno [Harris] and Buck [Rogers], who are still learning their craft. And Darren has already told me he is relishing the opportunity, so it's win-win all round.”

The NPS comprises of upcoming cricketers from all around Australia and the squad for the season features leg-spinner Lloyd Pope, who played for Australia at the ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup in New Zealand earlier this year.

"Part of our remit here is to give them that international flavour because these are kids we've identified as being able to handle that," Cooley added.

"And then you've got someone like Boof coming in, with practical experience in the subcontinent, who can ask questions of them, and help them solve the problems they confront along the way.

“He has that game sense, and an ability to transfer his method to the players he is coaching. He was the head coach of Australia for a good reason.”