Lehmann: Defeat embarrassing for everyone involved

Coach Darren Lehmann emerged embarrassed and frustrated, after Australia slipped to an historic three-wicket defeat at the hands of Zimbabwe in Sunday's key tri-series fixture at the Harare Sports Club.
Coach Darren Lehmann emerged embarrassed and frustrated, after Australia slipped to an historic three-wicket defeat at the hands of Zimbabwe in Sunday's key tri-series fixture at the Harare Sports Club.
The Aussies crawled to a modest total of 209 for nine on the back of captain Michael Clarke's unbeaten half-century, which the hosts surpassed with a full two overs to spare – thanks largely to skipper Elton Chigumbura's commanding half-ton.
"There are probably not enough expletives in the English language at the moment for the way I'm feeling. It's just embarrassing for everyone involved in the touring party, and I hope they're hurting. They should be," said Lehmann.
The visitors were criticised for resting batsman Steven Smith and fast bowler Mitchell Johnson. While Clarke was successful in replacing Smith in the middle order, all-rounder Ben Cutting proved inadequate.
"By the end of the result, we probably thought we did get it wrong. But if we can't beat Zimbabwe with that side we've got problems, so we've got to sort them out. We've got to learn really quickly because teams are going to see that and they're going to react to it," added Lehmann.
The result saw South Africa maintain a healthy lead in the triangular series standings, while the Australians and Zimbabwe occupy second and third position respectively. The Proteas and Aussies will clash at the same venue on Tuesday.
Latest
-
England
Marcus Trescothick says Andrew Flintoff ‘sprinkling gold-dust’ on England team
Flintoff was initially enlisted for four ODIs against New Zealand but has hung around for the Ireland series.
-
England
Axed Jason Roy urged to remain positive with World Cup role still a possibility
The big-hitting opener was replaced by Harry Brook in England’s squad for the World Cup.
-
England
ECB unable to commit to ICEC report’s equal pay targets for men and women
The ICEC report said women were treated as “second class citizens” in cricket.
-
England
ECB set to publish response to damning report on discrimination in cricket
Richard Thompson, chair of the ECB, unreservedly apologised when the ICEC’s findings were published in June.
-
England
Sam Hain reveals sleepless night before impressive England debut
The Warwickshire batter scored 89 to set up a win over Ireland in the second ODI.
-
England
Will Jacks pleased to take his chance to impress in England success
The batter made a dazzling 94 off 88 balls in the one-day international win over Ireland at Trent Bridge.
-
England
Sam Hain and Will Jacks star as new-look England beat Ireland at Trent Bridge
Teenage leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed collected four for 54 as Ireland were all out for 286.
-
England
Will Jacks and Sam Hain shine as England post 334 against Ireland
Jacks made 94 off 88 balls while Hain hit 89 in the second one-day international.
-
County Cricket
Surrey close on title as rivals Essex beaten by Liam Dawson-inspired Hampshire
The reigning champions are 20 points clear of second-placed Essex heading into the final round of fixtures.
-
England
Ben Duckett at peace with World Cup omission and looking forward to India series
The batter has switched focus to his next duel.