ADELAIDE, Dec 3: Former Australian Test batsman Darren Lehmann wants the chance to coach England, reports said Sunday.

Amid uncertainty over the future of incumbent Duncan Fletcher, Lehmann said he would relish the prospect of becoming the first Australian in 129 years to take charge of the old enemy.

Three Aussies have played a role in helping in the recent rise of the English cricket.

Former wicket-keeper Rod Marsh oversaw the England Cricket Academy between 2001-2005, while Troy Cooley and the great Dennis Lillee have acted as bowling advisers.

Sydney's Sunday Telegraph newspaper said Lehmann has support from influential England figures to succeed the man who helped break the nation's 18-year Ashes drought.

Lehmann, who has one of the shrewdest minds in Australian cricket, said he would welcome any approach from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

“It's something I'd love to do. If the opportunity came up to coach England, I'd certainly want to do it,” Lehmann told the newspaper.

“I know the England players quite well. I've got a lot of things on and I'm still playing cricket,” said Lehmann, currently the president of the Australian Cricketers' Association.—AFP