Lehmann Appointed Australia Head Coach

Melbourne: Darren Lehmann is appointed Australia coach, after Mickey Arthur was sacked 16 days before the start of the Ashes

Cricket Australia has today announced that Darren Lehmann will replace Mickey Arthur as the head coach of the Australian men's team, effective immediately.

The announcement comes just 16 days before the first Test of The Ashes against England.

Australia's struggles both on and off the field during the tour of India and the recent ICC Champions Trophy led to the CA Board taking such drastic action.

CA CEO James Sutherland said despite the unfortunate timing, it was a decision deemed necessary with such a big series fast approaching.

"The timing is far from ideal but we didn't feel we could sit back and hope matters would change without addressing issues critical to a high performing team culture. It obviously isn't the type of change we want to make three weeks out from the Ashes commencing but we believe a change is needed.

Arthur was appointed in November 2011 and since that time Australia has struggled with inconsistent performances and numerous off-field issues. Australia has won 10 of 19 Tests, 18 of 39 ODIs and 7 of 16 T20s with Arthur at the helm.

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