Lehmann: England won the ‘key moments’

Australia

Australia coach Darren Lehmann has put the Ashes defeat down to 'key moments' and says that England deserved to win, despite the stats suggesting the Aussies should have come out on top.

England won the series 3-2, with the Aussies pulling one back in the fifth match at The Oval. It ended on day four, meaning not one of the five games went to a final day, as the bowlers dominated, with the help of some dire batting from both sides.

Lehmann told Sky Sports: "If you look at all the stats, I think we had three of the top five run-getters, and four of the top five bowlers.

"But they won the key moments and we didn't do that. We won this Test match and Lord's but… not good enough in the others.

"It was an unbelievable series, none of them went five days. I think once they got on top they really kept the pedal to the metal and really pushed hard for the victory."

Of their efforts at The Oval, he added: "That's how we should play. It's a good fightback after losing the Ashes.

"To play that way was a lot better. But full credit to England. They deserved to win the Ashes. They outplayed us."

The next series are against Bangladesh, the West Indies and New Zealand, and Lehmann is optimistic about a refreshed team: "It's a fantastic challenge for us.

"Obviously we've lost one of our greats today (Clarke retiring) and Chris Rogers as well, who has been a fantastic player for us. A new captain, a new vice-captain – we'll move forwards."

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