Australia’s victory in the fifth Ashes test did not come without its share of controversy. The controversy though fortunately was off the cricketing field. Michael Clarke at the toss announced that it would be experienced pacer Peter Siddle who would replace Josh Hazlewood. As a consequence, the in form Pat Cummins had to miss out as Siddle was given another lease of life to revive his test cricket.
This did not go down too well with Shane Warne, who openly criticized and mocked Darren Lehmann for selecting an aged bowler instead of a youngster. Siddle though, ensured that Warne’s words did not emerge true, as Siddle bowled beautifully in the game. The Victorian pacer was simply at his best at the KIA Oval.
Post the win; it was coach Darren Lehmann’s time to answer Warne. Firstly, Lehmann praised the Aussies for their improved performance and praised Siddle especially. “The way he bowled, he was fantastic this game,” Lehmann said.
“If he gets it in the right areas, he’s a quality bowler and his record speaks for itself. So we’re really pleased that he bowled the way he did and there’s always a future. We’re not saying we pick out-and-out fast bowlers all the time – obviously it may seem that way, but we pick the best team to try and win every game. He was excellent in both innings (and) gave us some control,” Lehmann added. “So hats off to him, he was absolutely brilliant.”
Lehmann then answered the flamboyant Shane Warne in his own style. “I don’t think we were too bad to be honest. I know Warney gives us a lot,” Australia’s coach said on Sky Sports. “He’s always going to do that. That’s the way Shane Warne is.”
“Shane’s entitled to his opinion. But … there are a lot of things going on behind the scenes when you are making decisions.”
“Peter was in our original squad and the chairman Rodney and I thought it was the best opportunity to give him that chance ahead of Pat,” he said.
“Someone like Shane Warne always has his opinion because he loves an opinion full stop. “That’s fine but he doesn’t know what goes on behind the scenes and we’ll keep it at that.”