Lehmann proves fitness

Australia batsman Darren Lehmann has been passed fit for the first Test against New Zealand, starting on Thursday, after recovering from a hamstring strain.

The stocky left-hander completed a series of sprinting and fielding drills and also batted without any discomfort at the Gabba ground in Brisbane, which will host the opening match of the two-Test series.

"Yes, that's confirmed that he's fit to play. He trained really well," team spokesman Graeme Vimpani said on Tuesday.

The injury had kept Lehmann out of the fourth Test against India in Mumbai earlier this month.

Lehmann, who averages 48.02 in 23 Tests, has endured a rushed preparation for this week's match.

The 34-year-old spent Monday in Melbourne giving evidence at the committal hearing of a hotel bouncer accused of the manslaughter of former Australia batsman David Hookes.

Hookes, who was Lehmann's mentor at state level, had been drinking with friends at the Beaconsfield Hotel in St Kilda on January 18 when he was knocked down and suffered fatal head injuries.

The 48-year-old Hookes died the next day.

Hotel security man Zdravko Micevic is charged with the manslaughter and assault of Hookes. Defence barrister Terry Forrest said his client would give evidence that Hookes threw two punches at Micevic before he retaliated.

Lehmann told Melbourne magistrates court he could not recall Hookes being argumentative with staff.

"It was a big day for him yesterday. It was an emotional day for all the cricketing world," Australia's opening batsman Matthew Hayden told reporters on Tuesday.

"For Darren it will be nice for him to get back into the side, a side that loves him and his company.

"We love the colour and character he brings to the side. He doesn't take the game too seriously. Maybe we all have to take a leaf out of that book."

Lehmann replaces Simon Katich, who was dropped after making seven and one in the fourth Test against India.