Australia coach Darren Lehmann has told his top order batsmen to up their game in time for the second Test against England at Lord’s starting Thursday.
The tourists came close to a stunning win in the first Test at Trent Bridge before Ashes-holders England scraped home by 14 runs on Sunday to go 1-0 up in this five-match series.
Australia’s tenth wicket pair were responsible for 228 runs at Trent Bridge, including a world record stand of 163 in the first innings that featured teenage debutant Ashton Agar’s 98 — the highest score by a Test no. 11 —after they had collapsed to 117/9.
There was an improved showing second time around but had it not been for wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin’s 71 at number seven and yet more tailend resistance, England’s margin of victory would have been greater.
This Ashes series was always likely to hinge on the performance of Australia’s top order and Lehmann, himself a former Test batsman, was in no doubt of what was required.
“Our tail has done really well over a period of time now but it’s time for the batters to make sure they’re making the runs,” he said.
“I think we only batted for 64 overs in the first innings and 110 in the second.
“We’ve got to be reversing that about, batting for 120 overs plus in the first innings of a game and making our runs there,” said Lehmann, brought in just 16 days before the Ashes after South African coach Mickey Arthur was sensationally sacked by Cricket Australia.
Among those now under pressure for their place is Ed Cowan who, on his home ground after a spell with Nottinghamshire this season, was out for a duck in the first innings driving at fast bowler Steven Finn and fell to part-time off-spinner Joe Root for just 14 second time around having been moved to No 3 from his usual opening position.
“He’s had a tough game,” said Lehmann. “Like everyone, you’ve got to make runs and perform. “We’ve told Ed how we want him to play and how we want him to bat... we picked him to do a role. He’ll be disappointed with the shots. So are we.