McGrath backs Lehmann selection as 'positive move' for Ashes

Former Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath has backed the appointment of Darren Lehmann as the new national cricket coach, saying that the sacking of Mickey Arthur was a positive move boosting hopes of regaining the Ashes

According to McGrath, he was not very impressed by the decision to appoint Arthur as the coach even though he had a good record with South Africa, adding that he could not help but be a 'parochial Aussie' over the issue, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Stating that Lehmann was a class player who had done great things as a coach and would bring out the best in Australia's Ashes squad because of the respect from players, McGrath said that despite being surprised by the timing, he felt that the move was a positive one and was necessary to keep things drifting from bad to worse.

Lehmann further said that he believes that a good start is crucial to hopes of winning back the urn, adding that as long as the selectors have enough guts to pick the right team, Australia has got the players to perform well and win back the Ashes.

Stating that the veteran Chris Rogers, who knows the English conditions well, brought a wealth of experience to the top order, McGrath further said that with his entry, and Brad Haddin back to being the No.1 keeper again, the experience and old-school hardness would be good for the team.

According to McGrath, suspended opener David Warner needed to be a lot more disciplined off the field if he wanted to play international cricket.

McGrath also praised Australian bowlers, especially Peter Siddle's 'immense improvement as the leader', James Pattinson's 'match-winning enforcer role' and Mitchell Starc's 'left arm swing with the new ball'.

Meanwhile, McGrath also said that while England deserved to be the top-ranked team in the world a few years ago, they had 'dropped off a little' since, although he said that Australia's foes will still be quietly confident.