Bad habits are hard to break and even Darren Lehmann will have his work cut out trying to solve Australia’s run-out crisis just a week out from the Ashes.

Since the beginning of the 2009 Ashes four years ago, Australia have suffered more run-outs than any Test-playing nation.

Australia have had 25 run-outs, with India and Pakistan next in line with 20 each.

England had just 17 through that period.

The vast majority of those players caught short for Australia have been top order batsmen.

Trouble continued for Australia on Tuesday in their tour match against Worcestershire, with Michael Clarke and Ed Cowan both run out back-to-back.

Cowan, who has already been a victim twice in Tests, was responsible for Clarke’s dismissal and slipped while running for his own.

Opener Shane Watson has been a chief culprit himself over the years and said if Australia want to win the Ashes, it’s an aspect of their game they must eliminate.

“I certainly can’t comment too much on running between wickets because I’ve been involved in quite a few (runouts) myself over the years,” Watson said.

“It’s very important. We can’t afford to have our better batsmen run out.

“It’s a tough enough job to bat for long periods of time let alone giving the opposition one or two wickets.

“It’s something we will continue to be conscious of. Myself as well.”