Darren Lehmann backs Australia captain Michael Clarke
Saturday 1 August 2015 18:53, UK
Australia coach Darren Lehmann will give struggling captain Michael Clarke "as long as he needs" to turn around his poor form.
Friday's eight-wicket defeat to England at Edgbaston left Australia 2-1 down in the Investec Ashes series with two Tests remaining and the form of Clarke has become a genuine concern for the tourists.
The 34-year-old averages just 18.80 in the series and said in the wake of the loss in Birmingham that his team was "playing with 10 men".
But Lehmann remains behind his skipper ahead of the fourth Test at Trent Bridge, which begins on Thursday.
"He'll get as long as he needs, he's captain," he said. "We're not going to panic, that's for sure. But he's got to play well.
"I can't complain about the work ethic of any of the players, Michael especially as captain. He sets the tone and raises the bar of what you need to do to play well at this level."
Adam Voges' place in the team is less certain. The 35-year-old hit a debut century against the West Indies earlier this year, but has struggled at No 5, averaging 14.60 despite his vast experience of county cricket.
Lehmann and touring selector Rod Marsh will discuss Voges' future in the next two days.
"We'll sit down, Rodney and I, and speak with the captain on his wishes. We'll make a decision from there about what we think the best XI is," added Lehmann.
"Adam would be disappointed, like the other players are. It's a disappointing game for us and we've just got to cop the criticism we cop and get back on and work out what the best XI is to win the next Test match."
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