Lehmann loads big guns
DARREN Lehmann won’t trash his own anti-rotation policy, insisting Ryan Harris will spearhead an Australian side hell-bent on proving that they are no ‘‘one-hit wonders’’ in Adelaide.
Australia will also push cricket’s dangerous bowling laws to the limit with lethal left-armer Mitchell Johnson, Harris and Peter Siddle continuing their bouncer barrage against England. However, there will be no on-field mention of fallen England batsman Jonathan Trott in the second Test starting Thursday.
The first key change of the Lehmann reign as Australian coach in June saw the controversial rotation policy of bowlers dumped in Test series. It won’t be revived in Ade- laide with Lehmann wanting the quality that’s bankrolled Harris’ 76 wickets in 17 Tests.
‘‘We don’t rotate, if you are fit you play. The best XI will play for Australia each and every game,’’ said Lehmann.
Lehmann’s incredible title success coaching Queensland and Deccan Chargers in the Indian Premier League was predicated on astute tactics. The former Test batsman respects sports science but won’t be ruled by it.
Asked if Harris, 34, remained the key to reclaiming the Ashes, Lehmann said: ‘‘Very much so, a world class bowler.’’
‘‘Ryan is a key player. If he is fully fit he will play, I have said that all along. We are not changing our stance. I reckon he will be fit.’’
Resting ‘Ryano’ and his fragile frame goes against the grain for Lehmann who is desperate to fuel the power shift started in Brisbane with a knockout blow and 2- 0 scoreline in Adelaide.
‘‘It is just one Test win. We have to back that up and show we are the side we want to become not just onehit wonders. We can’t rest on our laurels after one Test,’’ said Lehmann, preferring to tweak ‘plans’ not a winning combination.
England questioned match officials during the 381-run first Test loss on the rules of bowling intimidation. Lehmann won’t pull back Australia’s short pitched onslaught that saw England fold for 136 and 179 at the Gabba — even on the flatter Adelaide deck.
‘‘We will use our (short ball) quota where possible and work our plans as we have done. Brisbane had some pace and bounce in it, Adelaide might be different, it might reverse or swing a bit more,’’ he said.
‘‘It is a case of looking at the best XI to get a result here.’’
Lehmann indicated England counterpart Andy Flower’s public offer to discuss a sledging code of conduct was not needed. Outspoken opener Warner had been counselled by Lehmann over comments directed to ‘‘weak’’ Trott. There will be no reference to the No.3 back in England on stress leave.
‘‘He understands where the line is,’ said Lehmann of Warner. He said himself he crossed the line so that is a better understanding of the game,’’ Lehmann said. ‘‘Obviously we didn’t know what was going on with Jonathan Trott. That certainly won’t be talked about in this Test.’’
Lehmann said allrounder James Faulkner was unlucky to miss out in Brisbane but Australia wanted a spin option and were repaid by Nathan Lyon’s four wickets. Lehmann also foreshadowed an increased bowling workload for allrounder Shane Watson — lessening the strain on veteran Harris.
‘‘I thought our bowling group as a whole did a great job,’’ said Lehmann. ‘‘Nathan Lyon got some wickets, Shane Watson didn’t have to bowl as much as we thought he would in the first one. That is an advantage as well.’’