SYDNEY, April 16: Australian veteran Darren Lehmann will stage a shock comeback in the Indian Premier League after answering a call from former team-mate Shane Warne, a report said on Wednesday.

Lehmann, 38, will fill in for South African skipper Graeme Smith in Jaipur-based IPL franchise the Rajasthan Royals’ opening matches, the Adelaide Advertiser said on its website.

The batsman, who retired from first-class cricket last November, said he was surprised to receive a call from Warne asking him play until Smith is available.

“It’s all happened so quickly,” he said. “They needed someone as cover for Graeme Smith so I didn’t hesitate to put my hand up. It will be good playing in the same side as Warnie.”—AFP