Even as rumours continue to swirl Down Under about an affaire de coeur between a Bollywood leading lady and a leading Australian cricketer contracted with the Punjab Royals in the IPL, former Test player Darren Lehmann has scotched rumours that he has accepted an offer to coach arch enemy England after the sacking of Peter Moores
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PREFERRING TO STAY PUT: Darren Lehmann |
Even as rumours continue to swirl Down Under about an affaire de coeur between a Bollywood leading lady and a leading Australian cricketer contracted with the Punjab Royals in the IPL, former Test player Darren Lehmann has scotched rumours that he has accepted an offer to coach arch enemy England after the sacking of Peter Moores.
"I'm definitely not interested," 'Boof' said in a reference to what would have been a cardinal sin for a fair-dinkum Aussie.
Meanwhile, promising opening batsman Philip Hughes has reportedly turned down three lucrative offers from IPL clubs, preferring to concentrate on his Test career, as Michael Clarke and Mitchell Johnson did in the inaugural tournament last year.
Twenty-year old Phil Hughes is a contender for the opening batsman's slot for this summer's Ashes series in England, alongside his namesake Phil Rogers, behind Simon Katich and Phil Jacques.
Hughes, who has offers from Durham and Middlesex, reportedly consulted those close to him before deciding to gain experience in English country cricket, a decision described by former Australian selector John Benaud as "a pretty professional move."
"Money isn't everything," Benaud said.
Speaking of the Indian professional leagues and money, former Test cricketer Steve Rixon, regarded by some in Australia as the man best qualified for the Rs 1.5 crore-plus job as England coach says he is happy in the rebel Indian Cricket League (ICL).
"I was offered a job in English county cricket," Rixon told the Telegraph, "But it didn't interest me at this stage.
"I'm very happy in the ICL with the Hyderabad Heroes. The young Indians show plenty of talent and want to improve."
And the ubiquitous Shane Warne has reportedly said 'nyet' to offers for more commentary work on television.
The retired spin legend, now a commentator with Australia's leading Channel Nine, has as high a profile today, as he did during his playing days.
According to the Sun-Herald, Warne has said "thanks, but no," thanks to close friend Michael Clarke's suggestion to do more work on TV, because he might as well still be playing, because of all the travel involved.
