Lehmann hits back

By Kevin Howells BBC Sport

Yorkshire captain Darren Lehmann is not one to duck issues and when asked to respond to critics of his leadership he talked as he bats - attack is the best form of defence.

Some Yorkshire fans looking for reasons to explain how last year's champions are now fighting for Division One survival blame the new skipper.

Great batsman they would argue, but not a leader capable of strong discipline.

So how does Lehmann answer that?

Lehmann does not lack self-confidence

"There has been no change of preparation or the way we do things compared with last year and from that point of view it wouldn't matter who was in charge."

And although accepting that critics will have their say, Lehmann is not short of a word or two for those who he feels over-step the mark.

"People obviously don't understand what has taken place in the last three to four years when I made a huge contribution on and off the field when Dave (Byas) was captain. He was a good skipper and so am I.

Victory elusive

"I am also captain of South Australia and have done a good job there. I think people are being a bit harsh and to a certain extent are being typical Yorkshire not supporting you wholeheartedly."

What I find so refreshing is a sportsman who fronts up to the critics and treats an interview as just that, an interview not a court case.

The Aussies have a good knack of keeping things in perspective.

Firmly rooted to the bottom of the table Yorkshire may be and still searching for their first Championship victory of the season, but there was a ray of light in drawn match at Arundel against Sussex.

Gray took 3-62 in Sussex's second innings

Sussex captain Chris Adams spoke very highly of spinners Richard Dawson and Andy Gray, and the problems they caused by bowling in tandem.

One more wicket and the game would have been won and Lehmann is confident the game may be a turning point.

As mentioned before, I finally get to turn out for a Yorkshire XI on 9 July in a game for Craig White's benefit year.

No slacking

As part of my final preparations, I joined in an organised fitness session at Leeds University.

It was run by fitness co-ordinator Simon Ward who set tasks ranging from a 15-minute run to a version of egg and spoon.

Divided into two teams captained by reserve wicket-keeper Simon Guy and opening bat Matthew Wood the competition was keen but I'm ashamed to say involved so much cheating that the result can only be described as worthless.

I was put in charge of making sure all players started behind the line for the 100 metres dash and failed miserably.

I refute here and now that I received any payment but if in the future any of the guilty players turned down an interview with me I now hold an ace card. I will name names.

I was impressed with the session because whilst some people might think players can only improve by netting in cricket, the mood of the squad looked good.

When things get tough, people being uptight and tense will not help.

As for my performance of seven circuits and 150 metres in 15 minutes I was awarded 8 out of 10 and according to Simon Ward registered better distance than two of the squad.

Again I feel their identity should remain a secret in case they have an opportunity to get their own back on Tuesday at Hornsea.

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Yorkshire Uncovered can be heard on Thursdays on BBC Radio Five Live's Ian Payne Show (7.00-10.00pm). Next instalment: 11 July.