Re-signed Australia coach Lehmann identifies 2017 India tour as main target

Australian head coach Darren Lehmann, whose contract has been extended until 2019, has declared that next year's Test tour of India is his main focus but insisted his side need to rectify their frailties in order to improve their performances on the subcontinent.

Australia suffered their seventh consecutive loss in away Tests against subcontinental teams when they were beaten by a spirited Sri Lankan side in the opening of the three-match series by 106 runs in Kandy last week.

Lehmann, who was appointed to the role in 2013, pointed out that Ashes-series win in England and defending 50-over World Cup title will also be his key assignments during rest of his tenure, news.com.au reported.

Admitting that coping with the spinning ball on the subcontinent remains the biggest challenge for the top-ranked Test side, the 46-year-old former Test batsman said that the next two matches against Sri Lanka will prepare them well for the India series.

Australia will visit India for a four-match Test series in February-March next year.