“It is anticipated he will be fit to resume work in the coming weeks”

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Australia will be without head coach Darren Lehmann for the upcoming tour of New Zealand as he is still waiting to receive medical clearance to fly after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis.

While Cricket Australia were initially hoping that Lehmann would be able to join the national team for the two-Test series against the Black Caps, the board made it clear that they will follow the medical advice given.

Australia will depart for New Zealand on February 1 and assistant coach Michael Di Venuto is likely to take charge of the side for the three-match ODI series as he is currently coaching the Baggy Greens in their ongoing Twenty20 series against India.

“Darren is in good health and feeling well at the moment but is still awaiting medical clearance for us to be satisfied that it is safe for him to fly,” Cricket Australia’s chief medical officer John Orchard said. “He is meeting with specialists in Sydney later this week and will have repeat scans on Friday to check his progress. It is anticipated he will be fit to resume work in the coming weeks.”

Cricket Australia executive general manager of team performance Pat Howard added: “The health and wellbeing of our players and staff is always our first priority and that’s certainly the case with Darren. We will await medical advice from the specialists before we make any decisions regarding an interim coaching role for the limited-overs series in New Zealand.

“We have strong depth in our coaching ranks and will make that decision in due course. It is anticipated that Darren will make it back for the Test series, but as with all the decisions we make, we will be guided by medical advice.”