Lehmann contract extended

Cricket Australia have afforded head coach Darren Lehmann a one-year contract extension.

Lehmann, who succeeded the outgoing Mickey Arthur last year, was originally contracted until June 2016.

He has led an outstanding turnaround, after Australia slipped to Test series defeats against India and England in 2013. They have since defeated South Africa and whitewashed the English.

“We have been extremely pleased with the results Darren has achieved with the team since he came on board,” said Cricket Australia executive general manager of team performance Pat Howard.

“He has helped create an excellent team environment that has seen players thrive. We want that to continue so we used the winter period to work through an extension to his current contract.

“Importantly, it provides continuity for the team and certainty for Darren heading into a critical period for Australian cricket.”

The Australians are currently in the United Arab Emirates, preparing for a tough two-Test series against Pakistan in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The Aussies won the preceding ODI series against the same opposition comfortably.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I have had in the job and am proud of what we have achieved so far. I want to continue with the work we have done on and off the field with the team, as I feel we are heading in the right direction,” added Lehmann.

“At the end of the day I will be judged by results, if the team is not performing then I am answerable. In the meantime, I am looking forward to this current Test series against Pakistan then getting stuck in as we lead into the biggest summer of cricket Australia has seen in a long time.”