England hit back at Oz coach Lehmann's 'dour' jibe

Although England completed a third straight Ashes Test series win at home to Australia last month by taking a five-match series 3-0, they were criticised for an excessively defensive approach with both bat and ball.

Australia coach Darren Lehmann

Lehmann, speaking shortly before England announced their Ashes squad, was asked on a a BBC radio show hosted by former England captain Michael Vaughan, whom he played alongside at Yorkshire, what he thought of England's style. "Dour. It's not the type of cricket I'd play," Lehmann replied.

"At times I'd like to see their over-rates picked up."u00a0Former Australia batsman Lehmann, parachuted into the coach's role just weeks before the start of the Ashes after South African Mickey Arthur was sacked.

England managing director of cricket Hugh Morris, responding to Lehmann's latest remarks, said he'd no problems with the brand of cricket played by Alastair Cook's side. "I'm really happy with our style," Morris said at a Lord's news conference to announce England's Ashes squadu00a0yesterday.

"Over the last five years our results have spoken for themselves. Over the last 12 months since Alastair Cook became captain we've played four (Test) series, we've won three and drawn one," the former England batsman added.

"That included a win in India, which was the first time (for England and where Australia were whitewashed 4-0 earlier this year) in 28 years, and a 3-0 win against Australia here (in England).

Our style and approach is looking to win important matches, which we've done consistently." England national selector Geoff Miller, himself a former Test off-spinner, said Cook's team were capable of adapting their game to different situations.

"Styles change in the conditions you play in, home and away, so we're happy with the way our style of cricket can alternate," Miller said of a side bidding to become the first England team since the 19th Century to win four successive Ashes series.

Earlier, Lehmann reiterated his belief that Australia had found "cracks" in England's top-order with number three batsman Jonathan Trott, who struggled for runs during the recent Ashes, an example. "We've found England cracks and worked out plans," he said.

"We've made some inroads (getting into Trott's head), and I hope that continues," Lehmann added. "He's a good player. But I think we've worked out plans, which seem to work for most of their batters.