Australian batsman Darren Lehmann returns home from India on Friday, preparing for what may prove traumatic evidence in a court case over the death of his close mate and former Test cricketer David Hookes.
Lehmann is returning ahead of the Australian team for intensive treatment on his torn hamstring ahead of the beginning of court proceedings on November 15 in Melbourne that will force him to relive some bad memories.
He was by Hookes's side the night he died outside a Melbourne pub last January and will be the first witness to give evidence at the trial of security guard Zdravko Micevic, 21, who has previously indicated he will plead not guilty to fatally attacking Hookes.
Three days later, Australia are due to play New Zealand in the first of two Tests in Brisbane.
"I'm first up so I can get to Brisbane," Lehmann told Australian Associated Press in Mumbai on Tuesday ahead of the fourth and final Test against India.
"I think about it (giving evidence), but it doesn't play on my mind. It's more of a case that it's going to be a pretty bad day, but I've had plenty of those in the last while. You've got to do it and it's there for a reason. The system will make whatever decision it makes."
{{/usCountry}}"I think about it (giving evidence), but it doesn't play on my mind. It's more of a case that it's going to be a pretty bad day, but I've had plenty of those in the last while. You've got to do it and it's there for a reason. The system will make whatever decision it makes."
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