Darren Lehmann would have left Brad Haddin and Shane Watson out of the Australian squad to England last year if he had his time again, revealing he allowed himself to be "blinded a little through sentiment" by sticking with the pair for the Ashes.

The admission is included in a new book, Coach, released by the Australian head coach on the eve of the home Test series against South Africa.

All-rounder Watson was dropped after the first Test in Cardiff last year, signalling the end of his Test career, while the same match was Haddin's last as well after selectors stuck with Peter Nevill following the veteran's withdrawal from the second Test at Lord's so he could be with his seriously ill daughter.

Australia lost by 169 runs at Sophia Gardens and conceded the Ashes after being blown away in the third and fourth Tests at Edgbaston and Trent Bridge, after which there was an exodus of retiring players, including Watson, Haddin, captain Michael Clarke and Chris Rogers.