Lehmann says Oz needs to improve top order batting

Port Elizabeth : Australian coach Darren Lehmann has said that instead of relying on its middle and lower order, Australia should focus more on their first order as South Africa`s fast-bowlers` impact in 25 overs was bigger than what they made in 152.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, South Africa`s ability to score 423 after opting to bat first in Port Elizabeth looked even more impressive after Australia just scored 81 runs at a loss of 4 wickets. Lehmann said that they need to get better in these kind of tough situations, adding that although it was a long day in the field with roughly 150-odd overs, they have to get better at restricting the wicket column. He mentioned that the visitors have faced such situations in a few Test matches and what they need is more first-inning runs by improving their top order. However, Lehmann said that it could have been worse for Australia had South Africa taken more chances and he gave the Proteas credit for their bowling skills too. The report added that Australia`s stumble in the last session of day two at St. George` Park was their sixth time in the past year, and fourth time in a first winning where they slumped to 4-100 or worse. Nathan Lyon was the only Australian bowler to get more than one wicket, leading to match figures of 5-130 in 46 overs, which was almost one-third of his team`s bowling workload, and made it his career`s fifth five-wicket haul, the report added.