Lehmann backs Clarke

Australia coach Darren Lehmann has given struggling captain Michael Clarke his full-backing to turn around his poor form.

Aussies are 2-1 down in ashes after their defeat at Edgbaston.

Clarke is averaging just below 19 this series and has not scored even a 50 in his last 10 innings against England.Considering his injury problems off late coupled with recent dip in form, this may be the final tour of Stylish batsmen.

"He'll get as long as he needs, he's captain," said Lehmann.

"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."

Whether Adam Voges gets the same amount of leeway is less certain. The 35-year-old hit a debut hundred in the West Indies earlier this year, but England have had little trouble picking him off. And an average of 14.60 in three Tests may persuade Lehmann and touring selector Rod Marsh to swing the axe.

"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," Lehmann added.

"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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News Source-talksport.com