Lehmann's appointment to give Oz 'fighting chance' in Ashes, says Alan Davidson

Former Australian Test great Alan Davidson has commended Cricket Australia's decision to replace national coach Mickey Arthur with Darren Lehmann only a few days before the Ashes series, saying that this will give the tourists a fighting chance in the Tests.

Insisting that Lehmann's Test-playing experience, coupled with his success as Queensland coach, would prove invaluable at Trent Bridge, Davidson said that Lehmann could help Australia achieve success in the Ashes, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

According to Davidson, Lehmann is a 'tough cookie' and knows when to have fun and when to stay serious, adding that his appointment is ideal, especially for young players as they will receive a lot of support from Lehmann and find out that Ashes is the ultimate Test series.

The well-built left-armer, who is remembered as one of the greatest all-rounders and one of the most menacing new-ball bowlers during the 1950s and '60s, has firmly backed Michael Clarke's captaincy credentials, saying that Clarke has always been amenable and a good listener, unlike a few players, who act like a brick wall whenever offered an opinion.

Stating that Clarke never failed to lift his team while captaining the Australian youth teams, Davidson further said that that this virtue of the skipper signified a character that is strong, purposeful and believes in his own ability, adding that it is one of the greatest assets anyone can have.

Davidson also said that he likes that as a leader, Clarke has a good body language as he is always smiling and enjoying himself on field.

The tough Davidson had taken a broken finger into the famous 1960 tied Test against the West Indies in Brisbane and defied a bad back to star in the 1961 Ashes Test at Lord's, the report added.