Lehmann apologises for Australia's embarrassing Ashes thumping

Australia coach Darren Lehmann has apologised for his side's humiliating defeat in the Ashes series against England, saying they were 'outplayed by a superior opponent'.

England regained the Ashes series after taking an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series following an emphatic innings and 78-run win over Australia on the third day of the fourth Test at a jubilant Trent Bridge.

Lehmann, on behalf of the Australian team, said that they fully accept the blame for their losses at Edgbaston and Trent Bridge as they had been poor, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Lehmann also apologised to the tour groups and especially to fans for the manner his side lost the iconic series.

The coach, however, insisted that they were doing their very best as a group to identify the areas of improvement in order to ensure they get better as a team.

The fifth and final Ashes Test will played at the Oval from August 20.