Ashes 2013: Darren Lehmann sorry for Stuart Broad comments

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Darren LehmannImage source, Getty Images

Australia coach Darren Lehmann has apologised to Stuart Broad after saying the England bowler cheated.

Lehmann accused Broad, 27, after he admitted edging a ball and not walking in the first Ashes Test.

Broad said on Twitter:, external "Spoke to Darren Lehmann. He apologised for his comments, I accepted. He said they were made in jest for banter. Done."

Lehmann, 43, who received a fine as punishment, believes he can learn from the incident.

"It was a good learning curve for a new coach, wasn't it?" he said.

"You know, it was a jovial setting but you've got to learn from that. The players aren't on their own in trying to improve. Coaches have got to improve so that's something I've got to get better at."

Lehmann, who played 27 Tests and 117 one-day internationals for Australia between 1996 and 2005, made the remarks on radio station Triple M, external before the fifth and final Test.

That meeting ended in a controversial draw after bad light ended play early, meaning England won the series 3-0 and retained the Ashes.

Lehmann was docked 20% of his match fee after pleading guilty to a charge of publicly criticising and making inappropriate comments, although Triple M said it will pay the fine.

The former Yorkshire left-handed batsman was appointed just 16 days before the Ashes started, following Australia's decision to sack Mickey Arthur.

Lehmann hopes his side will improve for the return Ashes Test series, beginning on 21 November in Brisbane, with more time to exert his influence.

"It is really hard when you've just come into the set-up and the touring side's been picked," he said.

"When we're back home you'll probably see different things happen."

The ex-Queensland coach added he would be picking a more settled batting line-up in Australia, after the selectors were criticised for regularly changing the order on the current tour.

"When we get our side for the first Test match, our batting seven, that will be the side for the first couple at least," Lehmann said.

"We'll be pretty settled in Australia, knowing the conditions really well."

Australia play England on Thursday when the two-match Twenty20 series begins at Southampton.

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