Martin Love made his debut in the fourth Test at Melbourne after Darren Lehmann was ruled out after failing to recover from a severe infection in his right leg.

Lehmann is making encouraging progress in his recovery from the infection, which is believed to have developed when bacteria entered his system through a small blister in his right foot. However, he is expected to remain in hospital for several days as he continues to receive intravenous antibiotic treatment.

Dr Trefor James, the Australian team's medical officer, said Lehmann - who scored 119 off 123 balls in a one-day international against Sri Lanka at Perth last Sunday - was much better, but still unwell.

"He has been feeling achy and tired and has been sleeping a lot more than normal. We believe the infection developed from a common bacteria and he has just been unlucky with it getting into his system." Dr James added it was too early at this stage to speculate about Lehmann's availability for the fifth Test match, which starts at Sydney on January 2.

Lehmann didn't hide his dismay at the prospect of missing the Melbourne Test. "Obviously it's a massive disappointment to miss out on one of the highlights of the cricketing year, the Boxing Day Test, with a full house at the MCG. It's all the more disappointing because of the way things had been going for me lately with that hundred in Perth.

"I started to feel unwell on Monday night but now I'm beginning to feel better and less achy. For me it's now a case of looking forward to getting back and playing cricket again as soon as possible. I also want to wish Martin all the best. He thoroughly deserves his chance and I'm sure he'll do well."

Love, a standout performer for Queensland over the past few seasons, currently tops the first-class runs list with 781 at an average of 130.16. That tally includes innings of 250 (for Queensland) and 201 (for Australia A) against England, in addition to 190 against Tasmania.

While Love commiserated with Lehmann's misfortune, he admitted that he was thrilled to actually be playing a Boxing Day Test, instead of watching it on television. "You don't wish illness on any player in order to get a game and fingers crossed Darren's going to get well as soon as possible. At this stage I'm just filling in for him for one game.

"It's a very exciting time for me. You look at the Boxing Day Test on the television and to actually have a chance of playing in one is really special. The runs have been coming quite well for me and I've been hitting the ball as well as I have in my career so the chance to play now is good timing. I'm delighted to get an opportunity.

"I started my career with Queensland batting at six and although it's a bit different from batting at three, where I go in now, it will give me the chance to soak up a bit of the atmosphere around the Test. I would bat at 11 if it meant I got the chance to play. As it is, I'll have five very good cricketers going in ahead of me and I hope I can do myself and the team justice.

"I field at first slip for Queensland and with Warney out of the side it looks as though I'll slot in there so that no one else has to change their positions so that makes sense."

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