Lehmann to step down as Australian coach in 2019

Melbourne [Australia], Dec 25 (ANI): Australian head coach Darren Lehmann has revealed that he would not seek the extension of his current contract due to the demanding nature of the job.

The 47-year-old, who took up the role in 2013 following his predecessor Mickey Arthur's shock sacking, had last year signed an extension deal that is set to expire after next Ashes series in 2019.

"That will be it. It will be a case of too much time, too much travel. For me, I've really enjoyed the role and (am) loving it. We'll just get to that point and work out what we do from there," cricket.com.au quoted Lehmann, as saying.

Lehmann, who is currently managing the national side in all formats of the game, has recently spoken about the demanding nature of his job and indicated earlier that 2019 would be his last year at the helm.

In October, Lehmann had said the packed international cricket calendar may leave him with no choice but to hand over the responsibility of the country's limited-over sides and focus solely on Tests.

Australia are slated to face two major challenges in 2019, the ODI World Cup in the United Kingdom and then an Ashes series abroad. (ANI)

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