Full story: The Age
Former Australia batsman Mike Hussey reveals he rejected an approach from then-coach Mickey Arthur to return to the Test side. Hussey, 37, said: "It was thrown around but nothing really came of it and I certainly made it clear I was very happily retired."
Full story: Canberra Times
South Australian boss Darren Berry backs the promotion of Darren Lehmann, but has sympathy for the sacked Mickey Arthur. "I don't think Mickey, who is a lovely guy, expected it but I have no doubt Darren will do a good job with these players and is a good fit for the time," said Berry.
Full story: Daily Telegraph [Australia]
The appointment is also backed by former captain Ricky Ponting, who says there was nothing wrong with the timing of Lehmann's arrival. "There is no point putting it off just because you are two weeks away from the Ashes," said Ponting. "Better now than after two Tests of the series or at the end of it if things do not go well. I honestly believe this move is all to do with the level of Australia's performances."
Full story: Daily Mail
England coach Andy Flower will put "boundaries" in place regarding Kevin Pietersen's behaviour when the batsman returns to the England team, according to former captain Andrew Strauss. Pietersen, 33, is scheduled to return in England's Twenty20 clash with New Zealand on Thursday ahead of joining up with the England squad ahead of their Ashes warm-up match against Essex, which starts on Sunday
Full story: Daily Telegraph
And Andrew Strauss is also warning England that Australia will still prove tough opposition despite all their recent problems. "I don't think they're quite as bad a side as people are making them out to be," said Strauss.
Full story: The Independent
Bowler Boyd Rankin, 28, is yet to give up on his hopes of an Ashes call-up. The Warwickshire man made his England debut in the Twenty20 defeat to New Zealand on Tuesday.
Full story: Daily Telegraph
Australian batsman Chris Rogers, 35, feels that the upcoming Ashes might be his last opportunity to establish himself in international cricket. "There's definitely fear. I've got no illusions about the challenge ahead and for me there is nothing to lose. It's my last chance in many respects," he said.
Full story: The Age
Former England batsman Marcus Trescothick expects a "comfortable" victory for the hosts in the Ashes. "Australia will rally around [new coach] Darren Lehmann very quickly and get together [but,] if England get them under pressure you will see cracks open quite easily," he said. "They should step up and win it comfortably."
Trescothick was part of the England team that regained the Ashes in 2005 Full story: the Guardian
Australian cricketer Brad Haddin believes the team needs to make a fresh start with the sacking of coach Mickey Arthur. "It's obviously disappointing for Mickey. He's put a lot of time and effort into this team, but it's a fresh start and we've got to make sure we're in the right frame come that first Test," he said.
Full story: The Age
Australian fast bowler Shaun Tait has backed his former team-mate Darren Lehmann to turn the national side around by reintroducing traditional values. "It almost seems we have gone down the route of everyone trying to look good, be a bit robotic, I don't think it has worked. I think we need to get back to the gritty, hard Australian cricket in the opponents' face without being over-aggressive and looking like idiots," he said.
Full story: Independent
Darren Lehmann took over as Australia coach on Monday and will instigate "the mother of all Ashes revivals" in helping his side beat England, according to former team-mate and Yorkshire first-team coach Jason Gillespie.
Full story: Adelaide Advertiser
Former Australian wicketkeeper Ian Healy believes there should be a coaching overhaul within his country's cricket set up following the sacking of coach Mickey Arthur.
Full story: Canberra Times
Lehmann could bring in Australia's legendary spinner Shane Warne to help turn around the team's fortunes.
Full story: the Guardian
Queensland wicketkeeper Chris Hartley has described Lehmann as "an excellent communicator and manager of people". Hartley added: "An elite sporting team is a mix of egos and personalities so bringing out the best in individuals while bringing them together into one unit is demanding. 'Boof' does this with his ''family first' mantra. He genuinely cares about each player, his cricket and his personal life."
Full story: Sydney Morning Herald
Former Australia batsman Dean Jones is another backing Lehmann's appointment: "If anyone can turn it around in a short space of time, he can," said Jones.
Full story: Independent
Former England captain Nasser Hussain says Australia's decision to sack Mickey Arthur and replace him with Lehmann reminds him "of a Premier League football team facing the threat of relegation".
Full story: Daily Mail
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