Darren Lehmann says he asked Dirk Nannes to explain himself to Australia’s players during a frank conversation the pair had after the drawn second Test.

Nannes accused Australia of “horrendous sportsmanship” on day four of the WACA clash, when Ross Taylor’s record-breaking knock of 290 ended.

The ABC commentator was incredulous that no Australian player chased after the New Zealand batsman to shake his hand after the dismissal.

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Australia instead congratulated substitute fielder Jon Wells for holding a scrambling catch in the deep then consulted the umpires to see whether it was the lunch break.

Many Australians shook Taylor’s hand during previous milestones, while some sought out the 31-year-old in the rooms after play to do the same.

Australia’s coach had an extended chat with Nannes on the sidelines after day five, revealing on Saturday what he told the former paceman.

“It was pretty one way for a fair while but that’s ok … then he explained himself,” Lehmann told radio station Triple M.

“I just said you’ve got to speak to the players. Get them one on one and catch up with them and explain your side of the story.

“Because we were really disappointed with it, obviously there’s no doubt about that.”

Lehmann, who regularly fields questions about his side’s combative approach, was keen to draw a line under the issue.

“You have a conversation and deal with it. That’s all I say to my blokes all the time,” he said.

“If you have to have a hard conversation with someone, have it.”

Steve Smith remarked on day five of the second Test that Nannes’ comments were “a bit out of line”.

Taylor couldn’t understand the consternation.

“I walked off as fast as I could. I’m sure it was just a coincidence more than anything,” Taylor said.

Meanwhile, Lehmann didn’t want to weigh into the public spats emanating from Michael Clarke’s 2015 Ashes diary.

Clarke fires back at former teammates and ex-coach John Buchanan in the book, responding to the criticism they levelled at the skipper when he retired.

“Everyone’s entitled to their opinion,” Lehmann said.

“I’d rather them sort it out behind close doors.

“You write a book and you’ve got to have things in that book.

“They’re big enough to sort that out behind the scenes. I’m sure they will one day.”

Lehmann and Australia’s 13-man squad will assemble in Adelaide on Sunday.

The inaugural day-night Test starts on Friday.

“It’s going to be interesting to see how it goes … let’s see how it goes and then make some decisions (about the concept),” he said.

– AAP