Yorkshire's new coach Wayne Clark is amazed that Australia have not picked Darren Lehmann for any part of their tour of England this summer.

Clark, a fellow countryman of Lehmann, said: "I was extremely surprised when Australia announced their squads and Darren was not included. I thought he would definitely be in the one-day squad.

"It is good news for Yorkshire in one sense because it means he will be available throughout the summer but everyone at the club would still have loved him to play for Australia."

Clark said Lehmann was expected to arrive in England next Thursday and he would join up with Yorkshire the following Monday for their photocall and opening lunch at Elland Road.

Yorkshire's players went through rigorous fitness tests at Headingley yesterday and Clark said he was happy with the way their preparations for the new season were going.

"The wet weather has meant the outdoor nets have not been the greatest but they are good enough and everyone is shaping up pretty well," he added.

After nets on Wednesday, Yorkshire will announce the squad they are taking to Derby for the practice matches with Derbyshire over the following two days.

"It had been intended to play a two-day game but now it is more likely we will stage two limited overs contests so that everyone gets a chance to bat and bowl," said Clark.

Updated: 11:52 Monday, April 16, 2001