DUBAI // Darren Lehmann says Australia have got enough cover for their current availability problems to preclude him from having to make an emergency comeback against Pakistan on Sunday.
The fact the one-off Twenty20 international clashes with the Champions League T20 finale in India has had a detrimental effect on Australia.
Cricket Australia have permitted the three players who are still actively involved in that competition to remain with their sides in Hyderabad.
As such, it is possible that, out of 13 players initially named in the squad for this T20 fixture, only 10 will be in the country when the game takes place.
Shane Watson was ruled out some time ago through injury. Glenn Maxwell, who bossed bowling attacks in the Indian Premier League when it was exiled to the UAE earlier this year, is one of those still in with a chance of a Champions League medal.
The Kings XI Punjab side of which he is a talisman face Chennai Super Kings on Thursday for a place in Saturday’s final.
Pat Cummins, the fast bowler, is part of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad who will play against Hobart Hurricanes in the other semi-final.
And Cameron Boyce, a young leg-spinner, could be deprived an Australia debut if Hurricanes advance to the final as he is part of that squad.
The additional players involved in the one-day series for Australia against Pakistan, which follows Sunday’s T20, are also in Dubai already, meaning Lehmann will not have to worry about padding up himself.
“It is what it is,” said Lehman, 44, who played the last of 117 limited-overs games for Australia over nine years ago.
“We don’t worry about it, it is just part and parcel of the world game these days.
“We have enough players to play the game, which is important so I don’t have to suit up, or anyone else. Whoever comes over [from India] comes over and plays.”
Aaron Finch, Australia’s new T20 captain, said the side have already prepared for the potential absences.
Phil Hughes, the left-handed batsman, was practising his power-hitting in the midday sun on the ICC Academy Oval 1 at Dubai Sports City on Wednesday.
He would be the likely replacement for Maxwell, while Nathan Lyon, the off-spinner, could be drafted in instead of Boyce.
Pakistan also have a number of questions to answer, given the high profile absences of Saeed Ajmal, the spinner, and Younis Khan, the veteran batsman.
However, Lehmann has no doubts the nominal home team will be a test for his resurgent side.
“We can’t really worry about the Pakistan team,” the coach said.
“We will study their side and who they put up against us, but history shows they always managed to pull some really good, young players from somewhere.
“They have some exciting talent there and we will have to play well against them. From our point of view we know we need to our things well, then we will play well enough.”
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