Australian cricket head coach Darren Lehmann will remain in his role until June 2017 after signing a one-year contract extension.

Lehmann’s initial contract had been due to expire in June 2016, but a fine run of form - which included a 5-0 Ashes whitewash over England - has seen him lead the side to second in the ICC test rankings and prompted the extension.

Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager of Team Performance Pat Howard said Lehmann’s influence on the team had been immense since assuming the position in June 2013.

“We have been extremely pleased with the results Darren has achieved with the team since he came on board,” Howard said.

“He has helped create an excellent team environment that has seen players thrive.  We want that to continue so we used the winter period to work through an extension to his current contract.

“Importantly it provides continuity for the team and certainty for Darren heading into a critical period for Australian cricket.”

Lehmann said he was extremely pleased to be able to commit to the role for the coming years.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the time I have had in the job and am proud of what we have achieved so far,” Lehmann said.

“I want to continue with the work we have done on and off the field with the team, as I feel we are heading in the right direction.

“It was good to be able to sit down with Pat Howard and James Sutherland and go through where we see the team going in the next while. I’m grateful that the Board has shown faith in me to continue in the job.

“At the end of the day I will be judged by results, if the team is not performing then I am answerable.

“In the meantime, I am looking forward to this current Test series against Pakistan then getting stuck in as we lead into the biggest summer of cricket Australia has seen in a long time.”
(Sky Sports)