Lehmann: England selectors have learned from their mistakes - they might find a hidden gem like Saif
31.03.26, 15:56 Updated 31.03.26, 16:02
Jeremy Blackmore
Northamptonshire head coach Darren Lehmann says England’s selectors have finally reached out both to him and Saif Zaib, and he welcomes their decision to forge a closer relationship with county cricket.
Lehmann was particularly outspoken about Zaib’s non-selection for either of England Lions’ two winter tours, despite finishing 2025 as county cricket’s leading run scorer. The county’s new signing Calvin Harrison did get a spot on the Lions’ tour to the UAE, however.
Lehmann didn’t hold back when he spoke to BBC Test Match Special during the winter’s Ashes debacle: “Who are the selectors, by the way?” he said. “I’ve not seen them in my time in county cricket. Can someone tell us, please? I’ve never spoken to a selector and never seen a selector, and I’m a county coach. Unbelievable.”
If it forced England men’s managing director Rob Key on the defensive during media interviews at the MCG, Lehmann is encouraged by recent overtures from the England hierarchy.
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