Only four safe in shattered Australia, says Lehmann

AFP, HOBART: Coach Darren Lehmann declared only four players were sure to keep their places in the Australian team after another demoralising batting collapse handed South Africa a crushing series victory in Hobart on Tuesday.
In what is becoming a regular occurrence, the Australians folded spectacularly losing eight wickets for 32 runs in just under 20 overs for an innings and 80-run defeat to the Proteas before lunch on the fourth day.
The batting freefall has intensified scrutiny on Steve Smith's embattled side after their fifth straight heavy Test defeat this year, all by 100 runs or more.
Lehmann, whose coaching position is also under scrutiny after it was extended to 2019 only last August, said there will "definitely" be changes for next week's final day-night Test in Adelaide.
As a consequence of the early-finishing Hobart Test, all batsmen, including wicketkeeper Peter Nevill and spinner Nathan Lyon, but not the three pace bowlers, will be required to play in this week's round of domestic Sheffield Shield before the Test squad is named on Sunday.
Lehmann, who also sits on the selection panel, said that only Smith, David Warner and pace pair Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood would be sure of keeping their spots.
“We've got to stop the rot, we've got to work out what the best XI is,” Lehmann told reporters.
“Guys playing in this Test match, some were disappointed in their performances and they get the chance to play the Shield games to put their hand up.

Only four safe in shattered Australia, says Lehmann

AFP, HOBART: Coach Darren Lehmann declared only four players were sure to keep their places in the Australian team after another demoralising batting collapse handed South Africa a crushing series victory in Hobart on Tuesday. In what is becoming a regular occurrence, the Australians folded spectacularly losing eight wickets for 32 runs in just under 20 overs for an innings and 80-run defeat to the Proteas before lunch on the fourth day. The batting freefall has intensified scrutiny on Steve Smiths embattled side after their fifth straight heavy Test defeat this year, all by 100 runs or more. Lehmann, whose coaching position is also under scrutiny after it was extended to 2019 only last August, said there will definitely be changes for next weeks final day-night Test in Adelaide. As a consequence of the early-finishing Hobart Test, all batsmen, including wicketkeeper Peter Nevill and spinner Nathan Lyon, but not the three pace bowlers, will be required to play in this weeks round of domestic Sheffield Shield before the Test squad is named on Sunday. Lehmann, who also sits on the selection panel, said that only Smith, David Warner and pace pair Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood would be sure of keeping their spots. Weve got to stop the rot, weve got to work out what the best XI is, Lehmann told reporters. Guys playing in this Test match, some were disappointed in their performances and they get the chance to play the Shield games to put their hand up.