The tourists came close to a stunning win in the first Test at Trent Bridge before Ashes-holders England scraped home by 14 runs yesterday to go 1-0 up in this five-match series.
Australia's tenth wicket pair were responsible for 228 runs at Trent Bridge, including a world record stand of 163 in the first innings that featured teenage debutant Ashton Agar's 98 -- the highest score by a Test No 11 -- after they had collapsed to 117 for nine.
This Ashes series was always likely to hinge on the performance of Australia's top order and Lehmann, himself a former Test batsman, was in no doubt of what was required.
"Our tail has done really well over a period of time now but it's time for the batters to make sure they're making the runs," he said.
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"I think we only batted for 64 overs in the first innings and 110 in the second.
Among those now under pressure for their place is Ed Cowan who, on his home ground after a spell with Nottinghamshire this season, was out for a duck in the first innings driving at fast bowler Steven Finn and fell to part-time off-spinner Joe Root for just 14 second time around having been moved to No 3 from his usual opening position.
"We've told Ed how we want him to play and how we want him to bat... We picked him to do a role. He'll be disappointed with the shots. So are we.