WONDER-coach Darren Lehmann is the right man at the right time to rescue Australian cricket.

Former Test batsman Lehmann, 43, will be unveiled as Mickey Arthur's replacement within hours in Bristol as Australian cricket reaches crisis point on Ashes eve. Already in England as Australia A coach Lehmann is universally respected around the cricket world.



The India home-work gate fiasco in March that saw Shane Watson suspended then made captain for the final Test against India at Delhi coupled with opener David Warner's ongoing antics underlined a team in virtual anarchy. Something had to give ahead of the July 10 Ashes opener at Trent Bridge. High performance manager Pat Howard travelled to Bristol to deliver the news to Arthur with Australia to play a tour match against Somerset on Wednesday.



Lehmann's forte is cricket 'education' aligning perfectly with an Australian unit still mastering the basics at international level. The 27-Test left-hander told News Ltd that he was happy biding his time with Queensland, as "one of many state coaches who wanted to coach Australia".



However Lehmann believes he has the cricket recipe that works.



"My big one is culture and family. Good sides don't talk about culture and you create that within your environment. I think we do that well with Queensland," Lehmann told News Ltd.



Boof led modestly talented Queensland to the Sheffield Shield , one-day and Twenty20 titles inside 18 months while he masterminded Deccan Chargers Indian Premier League title at first crack in 2009.



The key to Lehmann's success is combining empathy, fun and discipline in dealing with players - garnering massive respect and galvanising teams that shouldn't win on paper.



Former Test paceman Jason Gillespie last week told News Ltd that Lehmann was the key man to replace Arthur due to his ability to develop young sides on and off the field.



"Darren is a guy who has been successful, everything he touches turns to gold," Gillespie said.



"You go on his record, well respected everywhere, players and staff love him."



Dizzy's comments revealed the deep seated concern shared by former players including Adam Gilchrist at the shattered culture in the Australian setup.



Arthur conceded last week there were divisions within his squad which hinted at the loss of control by team management.





However successive fines and suspension handed to Warner for a twitter tirade and 2.30am bar room hit on England batsman Joe Root after Australia's Champions Trophy loss had Cricket Australia fuming.



Arthur had been appointed in the aftermath of the 2011 Argus review into Australian cricket aimed at revitalising a Test side that lost the Ashes 3-1 to England.