Lehmann plays down Ashes strike threat

AFP, SYDNEY: National coach Darren Lehmann admitted Thursday a bitter pay dispute will be a distraction for Australia at next month's ICC Champions Trophy, but played down a boycott of this year's Ashes series.
Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers' Association are locked in a tense stand-off over the long-running talks, with vice-captain David Warner warning of a strike during the showpiece series against England, starting in November.
Lehmann conceded the players' full focus wasn't on the Champions Trophy in England and Wales, but said he was confident there would be no Ashes disruption.

Lehmann plays down Ashes strike threat

AFP, SYDNEY: National coach Darren Lehmann admitted Thursday a bitter pay dispute will be a distraction for Australia at next months ICC Champions Trophy, but played down a boycott of this years Ashes series. Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers Association are locked in a tense stand-off over the long-running talks, with vice-captain David Warner warning of a strike during the showpiece series against England, starting in November. Lehmann conceded the players full focus wasnt on the Champions Trophy in England and Wales, but said he was confident there would be no Ashes disruption.