Lehmann lukewarm over Flower talks

Darren Lehmann, pictured, is not planning to talk about the controversies surrounding the first Test with Andy Flower
27 November 2013

Australia coach Darren Lehmann has given a lukewarm response to the prospect of summit talks with his opposite number Andy Flower to try to defuse this winter's Ashes tensions.

Flower himself merely conceded, after a suggestion in a press conference, that he might consider a chat with his former South Australia team-mate after the controversies of the first Test.

The pair will meet again at their old stamping ground in Adelaide - former Zimbabwe batsman Flower played there in 2003/04 - before next week's second Test.

It was after England announced on Monday that Jonathan Trott has left their tour because of a stress-related illness that Flower took on board the idea of speaking to Lehmann.

England's defeat inside four days at the Gabba included a series of heated exchanges, culminating in the spat between Michael Clarke and James Anderson which resulted in the International Cricket Council imposing a near £2,000 fine on the Australia captain.

The tourists were also angered by David Warner's public critique of Trott, describing his batsmanship against Mitchell Johnson as "poor" and "weak".

Lehmann does not appear especially keen to discuss all those matters arising directly with Flower.

He told FIVEaa radio: "From my point of view, Andy looks after his side, and I look after my side.

"That's what you do in the game of cricket.

"I played cricket with Andy - I know him and I talk to him all the time.

"But at the end of the day, he's in control of the England cricket team - and we have to try to get the Ashes back."

Lehmann added his best wishes for Trott's recovery to those also expressed by Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland.

"Jonathan Trott's gone home, and I hope he gets well soon," he said, insisting nonetheless that Australia are not about to change their steely on-pitch persona because of events in Brisbane.

"We're still going to play really hard cricket - that's what we're about.

"We copped a lot in England, and we didn't shy away from that.

"That's what happens - you expect it when you go away (from home).

"So I don't see what the difference is from England to here, considering we're on the other end of it.

"That's just the way it goes. Both teams played hard - and as long as it stays on the field, I'm happy with that."

Australia seamer Peter Siddle voiced similar views, making it clear his understanding is that Anderson gave as good as he got before being told by Clarke to "get ready for a broken ****ing arm" while facing Johnson.

"Anderson brought it on himself. So fair's fair," Siddle told Radio Sports National.

"There was a lot of other stuff going on, and James Anderson was in the thick of it and a culprit for it all happening."

Siddle too wishes Trott well.

"Everyone knows what a class player he is.

"For us, it's a big bonus. But for him personally, it is disappointing.

"I hope he comes back strong after whatever it is."

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