Darren Lehmann slammed after seeking Stoke vs Liverpool tickets on Twitter hours after Australia lose the Ashes

The Australia coach fancied a trip to see the Premier League match

Simon Rice
Sunday 09 August 2015 11:25 BST
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Australia coach Darren Lehmann watches the Fourth Test defeat
Australia coach Darren Lehmann watches the Fourth Test defeat (GETTY IMAGES)

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Just hours after losing the Ashes, Australia coach Darren Lehmann took to Twitter in search of tickets to a Premier League match.

The tweet from the under-fire Aussie coach, who had just seen his side thrashed at Trent Bridge to go an unassailable 3-1 down in the Ashes series, infuriated fans.

While Australia have some extra down-time after the three-day defeat in the Fourth Test, the tourists have much to ponder ahead of the final match at The Oval.

However, Lehmann appeared more interested in getting his hands on a pair of tickets to watch the match between Stoke City and Liverpool.

"Would like to go to Stoke v Liverpool with a couple of people anyone help? @stokecity or @LFC can you please retweet." the 45-year-old tweeted.

With Australian cricket fans still reeling from their team's capitulation, and the retirement announcement by captain Michael Clarke, it was little surprise to see Lehman's tweet receive a negative response.

"Probably not the best timing to be sending out a tweet like that, maybe take the team with u to learn their defensive game," one respondent with the Twitter handle Ben McGrath offered.

"I've also got some Trent Bridge Day 5 tickets to get off my hands if anyone wants :-)" said another.

Lehmann later responded "Thanks so much for the abuse was asking a question that people might help. Don't bother now! Thanks again people for being so abusive."

Only 18 months after helping Australia regain the Ashes on home soil with a 5-0 whitewash of England, Lehmann's performance as coach and selector has come under renewed scrutiny.

Selectors were heavily criticised for their surprising decision to replace all-rounder Mitchell Marsh with his older brother, Shaun.

Batsman Marsh failed in both innings, while the lack of his brother's support as a fourth seamer placed the Australian pace attack under additional strain.

Stuart Broad of England is handed a replica ashes urn to sign
Stuart Broad of England is handed a replica ashes urn to sign (GETTY IMAGES)

The gambit also saw Clarke demoted to fifth in the batting order, a move seen as an act of protection for the struggling captain.

Lehmann has now lost two out of three Ashes series in charge and many in Australia feel his time is up.

The team are set to undergo a transformation with an influx of youth under Steven Smith, who is expected to be announced as captain after Clarke's final test in charge at The Oval.

Additional reporting by Reuters

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