Mind games begin as Lehmann gets set for rematch

Lehmann caused a stir during England’s march to a 3-0 success this summer when, in a radio interview for an Australian station, he accused Stuart Broad of cheating.

The former Test batsman, hastened into position as national coach to replace the sacked Mickey Arthur only weeks before the start of the Ashes, apologised and was disciplined for those remarks.

Broad had been at the centre of controversy during the opening Test at Trent Bridge when he did not walk and was given not out despite edging a ball to slip, via the wicketkeeper’s gloves.

As England prepared to announce their squad yesterday for the re-match with Australia, starting in Brisbane in November, Lehmann once again had his say.

Asked on a BBC radio programme for his impression of England’s style, he said: “Dour.

“It’s not the type of cricket I’d play. At times I’d like to see their over rates picked up.”

Lehmann also reiterated previous claims that Australia believe they have worked out some of England’s batsmen, No 3 Jonathan Trott a prime case in point.

“We’ve found England cracks and worked out plans. I’m always confident,” he added, of Australia’s 2013-14 Ashes prospects.

“We found out a few things about England, which is great for us. I like the way we played in the last three Tests; I liked the attitude, and I liked the aggression.

“We’ve made some inroads (on getting into Trott’s head), and I hope that continues.

“He’s a good player, we know that. But I think we’ve worked out plans which seem to work for most of their batters.”

Nick Compton, meanwhile, responded diplomatically to his exclusion from England’s squad.

Compton was outspoken two months ago when he was dropped as opener to make way for Yorkshire’s Joe Root to go up the order against Australia for this summer’s Ashes. He has been left out of the reckoning again, despite 889 runs in the County Championship this season, in a 17-man squad which instead contains Michael Carberry as cover for Root and captain Alastair Cook. But this time Compton did not dwell on his omission.

Via Twitter, and signing off with the hashtag ‘onwards’, he said: “Congrats to all selected for Ashes. Disappointed to miss out.”

Among others who appeared to be in the frame to go to Australia but have missed out is Durham seamer Graham Onions, who helped his side win the County Championship this year.

“Disappointed is an understatement, absolutely gutted,” he said via Twitter.