'Never seen a selector': The damning reveal from Darren Lehmann that underlines major England problem

England are on the cusp of losing yet another Ashes series and one damning reveal from a former Australian coach has underlined a major, systemic problem.

The visitors have been outplayed at almost every turn by the Aussies, who are closing in on an unassailable 3-0 lead and retaining the urn once again.

The finger-pointing has already begun for England and there won't be many people involved with the Test team who escape criticism in the coming weeks and months.

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From the coaching staff led by Brendon McCullum to a host of misfiring players, it will undoubtedly be an ugly post-mortem once the Ashes comes and goes.

But according to Darren Lehmann, the issues run far deeper than just McCullum and the 11 players who take the field for England each time.

Speaking on BBC's Test Match Special at the end of day four, Lehmann - who is in charge of County side Northamptonshire - explained the systemic problem in the UK, especially when it comes to the lack of spin-bowling options at Test level.

"The problem with Division One cricket is they all play for draw," he said.

"The bonus point system makes it flat, you get your points and you stay up.

"Division Two is a little bit different, because you're playing for results - but you're still playing on flatter wickets that don't spin as much.

"There are a few spinners there, it's just who you pick.

"[Shoaib] Bashir, I've watched him bowl the last two days and they said he's low on confidence, but what I see is an attacking spinner that can actually get wickets.

"Sometimes you've just got to bite the bullet and play the guy, if you think he's the best."

Lehmann then dropped a bomb that could leave many with egg on their face.

"That's a selection issue and who are the selectors, by the way? I've not seen them in my time in County cricket," he said.

"Can someone tell us, please? I've never spoken to a selector and never seen a selector and I'm a County coach … unbelievable."

England have gone without a specialist, full-time spinner for all three matches, despite bringing Bashir on tour with the squad and backing him in at Test level for many years with an eye towards bowling in Australian conditions.

Instead, he has been overlooked constantly and England instead opted for Will Jacks to fulfil the spin-bowling duties, where he has returned combined figures of 5-243.

The performance of Jacks with the ball in Adelaide have been amplified by Nathan Lyon's five wickets across the two innings - many of which came at crucial moments.

While there are many issues with the current England side from the top-order batting to Harry Brook's continued rash shots and the mixed bag of bowling, Lehmann's claims have shone a new light on why they are potentially facing a 5-0 whitewash.