Former skipper Tim Paine believes Australia holds advantage over England in Ashes series | Cricket News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Former Test skipper of the Australian cricket team, Tim Paine, has expressed his belief that Australia possesses an advantage over England in the upcoming Ashes series due to their ability to play at “different tempos,” while England tends to adopt a more aggressive approach.
Australia secured a thrilling two-wicket victory over England in the Ashes opener at Edgbaston, with Test captain Pat Cummins scoring an unbeaten 44 runs to guide the team to victory in a challenging situation.
Speaking ahead of the second Test at Lord’s on June 28, Paine, who recently stepped down as captain due to a ‘sexting’ scandal, stated, “They (Australia) can play at different tempos, they can play different scenarios and I think their game will stand up in different conditions. England, we know, are going to go one way, they’re going to go really hard.””I think from what I’ve seen earlier and what I thought going into the series, I think that’s where Australia have got the advantage,” Paine added.
Paine revealed that he had exchanged text messages with current Test captain Pat Cummins, who expressed his elation about the team’s triumph. Paine shared, “I actually spoke to Pat Cummins on text yesterday (Tuesday). He said, ‘We’ve got one back for us’, yeah look, it was nice sitting on my couch.”
Recalling the dramatic victory, Paine admitted that he nearly lost hope when Alex Carey was dismissed, leaving Australia in a precarious position during their chase.

“At 4 am (Australia time) I must admit, when Alex Carey got out and Nathan Lyon strolled to the crease, I contemplated going to bed because I didn’t want to have to watch the English win. But gee, what a partnership, it was two experienced, hardened cricketers, two absolute winners. It was an amazing partnership and a great Test match to watch made even better by the fact that we’re on the right side of it for once,” Paine said.
Paine anticipates that Australia will continue to improve as the series progresses, emphasising the need for the team to adapt to different situations and display a combination of defensive and aggressive play.
“I think Australia as the series goes on will get better and better. I think there was some clear strategy from both sides, whether it’s attack or defence when a Test match goes for five days, you’ve got to be able to do both. With a series that goes for five Test matches, you’re going to have to do both.”

“If I was being really harsh, I didn’t think Australia played anywhere near their best either. Look down the side, Pat Cummins came good in the second innings with the ball, but he wasn’t at his best in the first innings. David Warner was ok, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne both missed out, Scott Boland who’s been amazing, had probably his first bad Test match. Nathan Lyon was fantastic, and Alex Carey was brilliant, but I think some of our big guns were below their best,” Paine said.
Looking ahead, Paine believes that Australia’s ability to play at different tempos and adjust to varying conditions provides them with a strategic advantage over England in the Ashes series.
(With inputs from PTI)