With Lehmann comes hope for Aussie faithful

The appointment of Darren Lehmann as coach of Australia could very well be the key to any chance of Ashes glory.

The South Australian has only been in charge for a little over a week, but already his tenure has produced performances and an attitude by the players that suddenly offers a glimmer of hope for those of us who wish to believe.

For those who don’t, it’s business as usual.

Considering the only outcome touted by fans and media alike in the recent past has been an Australian thrashing, however, I for one welcome a bit of hope, regardless of whether it is false or not.

If nothing else, that hope will keep me entertained and interested in the contest.

I may be kidding myself, of course. We could be looking at a 5-0 drubbing in England, and perhaps the same on our home soil this summer.

Australia have played only one-and-a-bit first class matches under their new coach, against teams at a level that is significantly lower than what they will face come July 10.

England haven’t suddenly lost their talent, professionalism or confidence, or the advantage home conditions bring.

They will quite rightly head into the first Test match and indeed, the series as overwhelming favourites.

Something tells me, however, that the contest by end up being just that – a contest. A battle between two sides that are, perhaps, more even than we first thought.

This comes from the growing suspicion that Australia may just rise to the occasion, a prospect that looked beyond them six months ago, and produce the fight, determination, and confidence to sustain them that has been lacking in recent times.

All of these thoughts are based on what Lehmann has brought to the team – simplicity and transparency.

What Lehmann seems to have delivered is a clear message that has been followed by clear heads.

Never underestimate the contribution to performance that knowing where you stand brings.

Look no further than the two players he has designated to open the batting for evidence of this.

The South Australian declared to the cricketing world during the first tour match against Somerset in Taunton that Shane Watson will open in the Ashes. He said that’s where he belonged and could bring most value to the team.

The big right-hander has responded with not only two very good scores (90 and 106), but a return to the damaging style of batting that has been missing for some time and makes him such a weapon against any opposition.

Watson gets to play at the top of the order where he feels most comfortable and with all the uncertainty about where he might bat removed, he can just focus on his batting.

It seems to have worked so far.

And now Chris Rogers, so long in the wilderness but so suited to partner Watson, especially with his experience in English conditions, has been assured he will also be walking to the crease to face the English attack first-up.

Rogers’ 75 on the first day against Worcestershire was the perfect foil for Watson’s aggressive stroke play, and reminded not just a few, including Watson himself, of another opening partner with whom the former vice-captain enjoyed success in Simon Katich.

On paper, and on the field at the New Road ground in Worcestershire, the partnership looks to be the answer to so many of Australia’s recent batting problems.

A good start is invaluable and should Watson and Rogers provide it, a tremendous boost to the rest of the team. It relaxes the pressure on a still-unsettled top six and just may allow them to flourish.

It can also help sow the seeds of doubt in the minds of the opposition of a team that has all the expectation of a home crowd on their shoulders.

Or it could all come to naught.

Australia could very-well be 5/70 at lunch on the first day and playing to the script that has been written so often and by so many leading up to this most important of Test series.

But it might not happen that way, and Darren Lehmann has provided the spark to fuel the idea in the minds of those most hopeful of Aussie fans that it won’t.

As tiny as that spark may be, I’ll take it.