Lehmann defends Ashes selection

Sydney, November 19

Australia coach Darren Lehmann defended the squad selection for the Ashes opener on Sunday and urged former players to back the team as they prepare to try and wrest the famous urn back from England. Spin-bowling great Shane Warne was among the former players who questioned decision to include wicketkeeper Tim Paine, while the inclusion of veteran batsman Shaun Marsh also raised a few eyebrows. Lehmann justified the selections and called for the whole country to support the team. “Everyone is entitled to their opinion, aren’t they?” he said. “I’d just like all our players, ex-players, to be really positive about the Australian cricket team. Let’s just get everyone from Australia behind the Australian team and let’s get moving forward.” — Reuters