Voges claims Lehmann has helped Oz batsmen to back themselves

Australian all-rounder Adam Voges has said that the nation's improved performance with the bat in the one-day series against England is a reflection of the belief instilled by coach Darren Lehmann.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, in a rarity for their marathon tour of the UK, Australia have the hosts under genuine pressure as they head into the third match of the series in Birmingham on Wednesday with a 1-0 series lead.

While batting was a weak point for Australia as they crumbed under pressure at times during the failed Ashes campaign, the top and middle order have looked strong in the limited overs games, the report said.

Michael Clarke (105) and George Bailey (82) produced great knocks in an 88-run win over England in Manchester on Tuesday while openers Aaron Finch and Shaun Marsh also made big scores in the lead-up to the series, the report added.

Voges believes that has a lot to do with new coach Lehmann helping them to remove the shackles and trust their natural games, the report further said.

He said that the batsmen played with real freedom and Lehmann had been a big advocate of this style of play, adding that he was putting a lot of belief in the guys and they were embracing it fully.