Lehmann tells Australian batsmen to up their game for second Ashes test
Australia coach Darren Lehmann has told his top-order batsmen to up their game in time for the second test against England at Lord's starting on Thursday. The tourists came close to a stunning win in the first test at Trent Bridge before England, the Ashes-holders, scraped home by 14 runs on Sunday to go 1-0 up in this five-match series.
Australia coach Darren Lehmann has told his top-order batsmen to up their game in time for the second test against England at Lord's starting on Thursday.
The tourists came close to a stunning win in the first test at Trent Bridge before England, the Ashes-holders, scraped home by 14 runs on Sunday to go 1-0 up in this five-match series.
"Our tail has done really well over a period of time now but it's time for the batters to make sure they're making the runs," he said.
"I think we only batted for 64 overs in the first innings and 110 in the second.
"We've got to be reversing that about, batting for 120 overs plus in the first innings of a game and making our runs there," said Lehmann, brought in just 16 days before the Ashes after South African coach Mickey Arthur was sensationally sacked.
We've got to be reversing that about, batting for 120 overs plus in the first innings of a game and making our runs there
Among those now under pressure for their place is Ed Cowan who, on his home ground after a spell with Nottinghamshire this season, was out for a duck in the first innings and for just 14 second time around having been moved to No3 from his usual opening position.
"Ed's had a tough game," said Lehmann. "Like everyone, you've got to make runs and perform.
Ed's had a tough game. Like everyone, you've got to make runs and perform
"We've told Ed how we want him to play and how we want him to bat ... we picked him to do a role. He'll be disappointed with the shots. So are we.
"We're trying to learn and get better. I'm sure he'll get better at that as well."
Lehmann said his side's performance proved they were not as far away from England as some pundits had suggested before the series started.
"I think they're quite close - a lot closer than people give them credit for, both sides. So, the key for us is to make sure we're playing better."
Lehmann did his best to draw a line under the controversial decision of Stuart Broad, given not out in England's second innings, to stand his ground when he edged a catch to slip.
Australia were unable to contest the decision as they had used both their two permitted decision review system challenges in the innings.
"It's dealt with as far as I'm concerned," Lehmann said of the Broad incident. "We just move on and get on with it. The DRS has improved the decision-making process... We've got to get better at using it, basically."
Meanwhile, England yesterday named an unchanged squad for the second test.
