Lehmann ruled out of fourth Orange Test

Darren Lehmann has been ruled out of the fourth Orange Test match against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground after suffering a severe infection in his right leg.

In his absence, Queensland batsman Martin Love is set to make his Test debut.

Lehmann is making good progress in his recovery from the infection, which is believed to have developed when bacteria entered his system through a small blister in his right foot.

However, it is expected he will still need to remain in hospital for several days as he continues to receive intravenous antibiotic treatment.

Australian team medical officer Dr Trefor James said: "Darren is feeling much better today but is still unwell. He has been feeling achy and tired and has been sleeping a lot more than normal.

"We believe the infection developed from a common bacteria and he has just been unlucky with it getting into his system."

Dr James added it was too early at this stage to speculate about Lehmann's availability for the fifth Orange Test match, which begins at the Sydney Cricket Ground on 2 January.

The infection appeared just a day after Lehmann made 119 against Sri Lanka in a VB Series match in Perth, a match in which he was vice-captain in the absence of Adam Gilchrist.

Commenting on his situation, Darren Lehmann said: "Obviously it's a massive disappointment to miss out on one of the highlights of the cricketing year, the Boxing Day Test, with a full house at the MCG.

"It's all the more disappointing because of the way things had been going for me lately with that hundred in Perth.

"I started to feel unwell on Monday night but now I'm beginning to feel better and less achy.

"For me it's now a case of looking forward to getting back and playing cricket again as soon as possible.

"I also want to wish Martin all the best. He thoroughly deserves his chance and I'm sure he'll do well."

Love is set to step into the side in Lehmann's place with impressive credentials.

The 28 year-old has passed 10,000 career runs in first-class cricket during the summer and averages more than 50 in that form of the game.

Now in his second season as an Australian Cricket Board contracted player, Love is also the leading run-scorer in firstclass cricket this term with 781 runs at an average of 130.16.

That haul includes two double hundreds against the touring English side - 250 for Queensland and 201 not out for Australia A - as well as 190 in his latest innings, against Tasmania.

Those performances follow on from his efforts last summer when he was the leading run-scorer in Pura Cup cricket with 1108 runs at 65.17.

A debut for Love would see him become the 385th player to represent Australia at Test match level.

Martin Love said: You don't wish illness on any player in order to get a game and fingers crossed Darren's going to get well as soon as possible. At this stage I'm just filling in for him for one game.

"It's a very exciting time for me. You look at the Boxing Day Test on the television and to actually have a chance of playing in one is really special.

"The runs have been coming quite well for me and I've been hitting the ball as well as have in my career so the chance to play now is good timing. I'm delighted to get an opportunity.

"I started my career with Queensland batting at six and although it's a bit different from batting at three, where I go in now, it will give me the chance to soak up a bit of the atmosphere around the Test

"I would bat at 11 if it meant I got the chance to play. As it is, I'll have five very good cricketers going in ahead of me and I hope I can do myself and the team justice.

"I field at first slip for Queensland and with Warney out of the side it looks as though I'll slot in there so that no-one else has to change their positions so that makes sense."

The fourth Orange Test match starts on 26 December, with Australia leading 3-0 in the five-match series after wins in Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth.