Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Aussie coach Lehmann knows how to rattle McCullum

February 23, 2015 14:45 IST

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum is congratulated by teammate Martin Guptil

New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum is congratulated by teammate Martin Guptil after getting to 50 during the World Cup match against England at Wellington Regional Stadium. Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Gearing up for a 'cracker game' against New Zealand, Australian cricket team coach Darren Lehmann has claimed that his side has got some plans for the big-hitting Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum, as the two teams prepare to lock horns on Saturday.

The Shikhar Dhawan interview: Opener keeps vow made to wife

Don't Miss: Our complete World Cup coverage

VOTE: Who will win the 2015 World Cup?

McCullum's 77 from 25 balls against England in Wellington is the most brilliant innings of the World Cup so far and Lehmann is banking on the extra pace in his attack to rattle the skipper.

Lehmann said that McCullum does hit the balls a long way. He said that New Zealand skipper plays a high-risk game, but added that there's a bit of a difference between 135 kilometers-per-hour and 145 to 150 kilometers-per-hour coming at the batsman.

Darren Lehmann, coach of Australia

Darren Lehmann, coach of Australia, looks on during an Australian nets session. Photograph: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

The Australian coach said that it would be a great challenge for both sides. He added that McCullum is going to certainly come at Australia and they have got some plans for the skipper.

Lehmann claimed that it's going to be exciting, insisting that New Zealand have been very impressive. He said that it's going to be interesting to see how New Zealand play against Australia, adding that he is sure they would be really aggressive, so he insisted that it's going to be a cracker game.

Both, Australia and New Zealand have started their World Cup campaigns on winning notes and would now face each other in their World Cup clash on Saturday at the Eden Park.

Are you watching the World Cup? Do share your videos, photos and comments here!

ICC World Cup Merchandise 2015 available on Rediff Shopping

Source: ANI