South Australia coach Jason Gillespie says Jake Lehmann’s spell as professional with Little Lever in the Anthony Axford North West Cricket League can boost his state side’s development. 

Lehmann is currently the captain of the Redbacks in the Sheffield Shield and one-day Marsh Cup, leading them to the final of the latter competition in early March.

The 30-year-old batter then went on to score 101 not out and 74 in a four-day Shield draw against New South Wales.

He has brought that kind of form with him to Victory Road, helping Little Lever top the Premiership table with eight wins in a row. They have also qualified for the quarter-finals of the Hamer Cup next month with two more wins added to one win from two T20 games.

To that fabulous run of results, left-handed Lehmann has contributed 594 runs from 10 innings across all competitions, including four fifties and two centuries. He is averaging 148.50.

He has also taken four wickets with his left-arm spin bowling.

Speaking to nwcl.co.uk, Australia fast bowling legend Gillespie said:  “Jake’s time over there provides opportunity. 

“You have a player who has gone over there as the overseas pro, so there’s big expectation on him to step up and do the job. That’s a good thing for our players to have to deal with.

“Jake’s in a leadership role at South Australia, and this can’t hurt him or us at all. 

“I think it’s a wonderful chance for Jake, and I’m all for it. 

“If he can bring anything back to South Australia that he’s learnt in his time in the UK, we’re going to be a better squad for it.”

“Jake’s a bit older now – quite experienced – and he will be passing all his knowledge on to the Little Lever players and juniors and other players in that league as well, who are playing against him.

“Also, what cricket does is it affords you some wonderful life experiences, doesn’t it.”

Gillespie has just landed in the UK for the Ashes. He is hosting an Australian tour group at the Edgbaston and Lord’s Test Matches. For the record, he thinks Australia will win the series 3-1. 

“I’ve had a few messages with Jake over the last couple of months,” he added, speaking earlier this week before he boarded the plane. “I know he’s got a couple of hundreds and has been doing well. He’s really enjoying it.

“I’ll try and catch him if I’m up that way, as I will with as many of our Redbacks players who are over there at the moment.”