Tired of speculation about Michael Clarke's fitness: Darren Lehmann

Darren Lehmann

Sydney, Feb 3 - Australian head coach Darren Lehmann said on Tuesday he is "sick" of hearing speculation around regular skipper Michael Clarke's fitness and captaincy.

Lehmann insisted that the injured skipper is recovering ahead of his scheduled comeback and was hopeful he would make a comeback in the side before the February 21 deadline given to him.

"I'm sick of it," Lehmann was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

"I'm looking forward to him coming back. He played grade cricket on the weekend which is great, he's playing up here Thursday so I'll get to have a look at him."

"I had a good chat to him and he pulled up really well from the grade game. He's ahead of schedule and I think he's said that in the press as well. Fingers crossed he might be."

Asked if Clarke would have his and the team's support, Lehmann assured that he would be provided wholehearted acceptance.

"Always. He's captain of Australia, the second most important position behind the prime minister as such, we need our captain playing well."