Darren Lehmann: England players do not play enough county cricket

There was considerable criticism of England’s apparent lack of preparation for the series in Australia, both before and during the tour, with particular focus and controversy around the four-day break in Noosa, Queensland after the first two Tests.

England said the break had been scheduled for more than a year but there were reports of players drinking excessively.

“If they had played those first two Shield games before the first two tests, then played the two Tests on the bounce, they actually needed a week off,” added Lehmann, who played five Tests against England during his playing career.

“They’re all adults so they should know where they stand and look after themselves. And they are a lot more professional than we were in our day so I don’t subscribe that they carried on too much.

“They’re not big drinkers and there’s nothing wrong with having a night out. I actually saw a couple of them for a coffee in Noosa and they were fine.

“It’s more about the preparation for the Ashes where they didn’t play any county cricket in the back end of the summer and then they played a one-day series before the Ashes where they could have played a extra first-class game and that’s probably where it’s gone wrong.

“They just need to be a bit more diligent in their preparation and what they’re trying to do and how they want to play.”

The Test summer on these shores starts with the visit of New Zealand for a three-match series on 4 June with three more Tests to come in a series with Pakistan in August and September.

Lehmann said he expects England to win both series, adding: “They’ll play exciting cricket.

“They’ll score quickly. The wickets will be flat. They’ll oscillate between the two styles.

“They played too aggressive in Australia. The problem is when the wicket does anything.

“They’ll rethink how they want to play in different stages, making sure they’re prepared as best they can.”