Yorkshire have been shocked to learn that Darren Lehmann will not be joining them for the last three Championship matches of the season as a replacement for fellow Australian Phil Jaques, who leaves shortly to join his country's 'A'-team tour of Pakistan.

Director of cricket David Byas had hoped to confirm arrangements with star batsman Lehmann in a telephone call yesterday, but the former Test ace revealed that he would not be coming back this summer.

Lehmann, who returns to Yorkshire next season to see out his contract, is captain of South Australia and apparently his State side were not enthusiastic about him making the trip for just two or three weeks of cricket.

"It is a big disappointment but we have just got to accept the situation and at the moment I cannot see us replacing him with anyone else," said Byas.

"We have got plenty of promising batsmen who can help us to win promotion and I am sure they will do a great job."

The surprise loss of Lehmann for the promotion push offers a fresh chance to Michael Lumb.

Added Byas: "It means there will be a place for Lumb who is a fine batsman but has had to drop out occasionally because there was insufficient room in the side. He can now look forward to playing for the remainder of the season."

Updated: 11:22 Tuesday, August 30, 2005