THERE once was a Dazzler (Darren Gough) who did the business for England, now another Dazzler could bring about the fall of this nation’s finest cricketers.

As rumour, recrimination and downright ranting rippled through the touring Australian camp like a wind-fuelled bush-fire, the Antipodean cricket authorities decided enough was enough.

Out went Mickey Arthur, in his stead as national coach arrived Darren Lehmann, the native South Australian, who is no stranger to cricket in the Broad Acres.

For nine summers the pugnacious player batted, and occasionally bowled, his way deep in to Yorkshire hearts, indeed being a pivotal performer in the White Rose ranks lifting the County Championship in 2001 ending a title absence spanning more than three decades.

Lehmann is not a man to be mucked about and if England had any thoughts that the upcoming Ashes series – the first of two this year – was going to be an amble in the middle, a stroll in the slips, a jaunt in the outfield, can damn well think again.

Whether the Aussies are less than the talents of many a previous touring side, they will not lack in spirit, combat, or competitive edge as long as Lehmann is in charge.

He is the archetypal sporting Aussie. One who never gives in, one who holds a steadfast belief that his efforts can overturn any adversity, one who will apply relentless pressure on the opposition.

As a player, who advanced into the Test arena later in his career, Lehmann was the supreme competitor.

As a coach he has transferred that will to win as a successful coach of Deccan Chargers in the Indian Premier League and Queensland. He will demand the same from the men he now leads.

Under Arthur, for whatever reason, the Aussies were unravelling at the seams as if unpicked by the most unscrupulous bowler.

As they currently do battle with Somerset in a tour match at Taunton, there are signs already that the Lehmann approach is reaping dividends.

Add that dynamic to the fact they will be battling for no less an esteemed prize than the Ashes – cricket’s oldest and keenest rivalry – then once the five-Test duel opens at Trent Bridge on July 10 Australia will again be a formidable unit.

Before the dismissal of Arthur, who responded to his shock sacking with ample dignity and decency – “I’ll be watching every ball and confident that we can win” – you’d have got long odds on England’s recent dominance being challenged.

That’s not so now. The Lehmann effect, the coming of a second dazzler has the capacity to spring a summer of discontent for England.


Wimbledon lets even Federer feel like a heel

THERE are times when you bridle at how tiresomely priggish and blimpish Wimbledon fortnight can be.

As the tournament today heads into its middle Saturday, the viewing public has been treated to a week of exceptional drama, especially on the first Wednesday.

Seeds disappeared almost on the hour, every hour – a bit like British hopes, who Andy Murray and Laura Robson apart, were out within a day and a half. However, the exodus of champions, favourites, fancy-Dans and fancied dames was through injury, or poor form, or the inspired play of unheralded opponents.

And that was without the many slip between flop and lip as petulant performers pouted about the state of the grass. Yeah, it’s green and some may have a bit of sap in it – get over it.

But amid all that, the main question vexing the All England Croquet and Lawn Tennis Club in the early part of the week was not the potential of bad weather, was not the almost barm-pot fanaticism of the queueing fans, was not even whether they would run out of strawberries or Pimms (fat chance).

No, the big issue – doubt I would have ever used those three words in context with Wimbledon – was the colour of the soles of the tennis shoes worn by reigning champion Roger Federer.

Apparently when he opened the defence of his crown as is the tradition of the tournament by being the first match on Centre Court, there were gasps of amazement and aghast faces at those soles being – orange.

Federer, the most successful player in Wimbledon history was reminded that the dress code was all white.

Yet just study the tangerine flash on the side of Serena Williams’ shoes – ironically the same manufacturer as worn by Federer. Are they not of the same hue?

May be it’s little wonder Federer crashed out of the tournament in the second round. His “sole” just wasn’t in it. Ouch.