Darren Lehmann, the ex-Australia head coach, has signed on to lead Northamptonshire in the County Championship. At 54, Lehmann guided Australia to World Cup victory in 2015 and managed four Ashes series from 2013 to 2018, winning two on home turf but losing both in England. He stepped down following the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. Lehmann will commence his new position in February, having agreed to an initial two-year contract. He previously enjoyed a successful stint in county cricket as a prolific overseas player for Yorkshire and returned to Headingley for a season as coach of Northern Superchargers in The Hundred in 2021.
"Northamptonshire boasts a rich history in cricket," Lehmann stated. "I'm eager to meet the players, delve into the club's heritage, and forge our own legacy in the months and years ahead. The appeal for me lies in a team committed to improvement and realizing their and the club's aspirations, creating lasting memories and striving for the pinnacle of the sport. I'm confident we'll experience success and enjoyment along the way."
Lehmann succeeds John Sadler, who departed last month after three years at the helm. Northamptonshire concluded the season in fourth place in Division Two of the County Championship, with their last trophy win coming in the 2016 T20 Blast tournament.
"We are thrilled to have secured a new head coach with Darren's illustrious history, reputation, skills, and knowledge," said Northants CEO Ray Payne. "This is a significant step forward and underscores the club's commitment to achieving the highest level of success on the field. From our initial discussions with Darren, it was evident that his passion and excitement for this opportunity align perfectly with the club's objectives."
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