Tim Paine has refuted Jofra Archer’s claim that Australia panicked as Ben Stokes led England to victory in Headingley – but admits he made”mistakes” since the vacationers spurned the chance to keep the Ashes.
Australia’d England nine wickets down with 73 runs required in the next Test in Leeds but a combination of Stokes’ brilliant 135 not out, a dropped catch, a collapsed run out and wasted testimonials saw the hosts pull off a remarkable win and keep the chain alive.
Wondering if Australia had choked, skipper Paine, talking ahead of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, said:”No. I’ve addressed it. Jofra is entitled to his view – he’s had plenty.
“We made some mistakes, it happens – we have addressed this as a team and spoken about it honestly. I was among those men and women who made mistakes, I’d have done some things differently.
“There were instances, looking back at it, at which it was apparent I should have had up the field and allowed Ben to strike a few boundaries so we had balls in the tailender (Jack Leach).
“That’s the principal thing I would have done differently. It happens in cricket and we’ve moved on, learnt by it, and we’re ready for yet another excellent Test match.”
After he picked up seven wickets in the innings last week thrashing of Derbyshire quick Mitchell Starc could be handed his very first look of the series by australia.
Starc is at a 12-man squad and appears to be vying with Peter Siddle for the final pace-bowling spot alongside Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
Usman Khawaja was axed, though, after averaging 20.33 from the No 3 berth from the series so far, with a top score of 40.
On Starc’s chances of playing at Manchester, Paine said:”They’re good. He is at the 12, therefore he’s shut. We’ll have another look in the wicket – it has a bit of pace and it looks fairly dry.
“Starcy bowled superbly last week at Derby. He’s been working very hard on getting his span right and we were very impressed.
“We all know what he can do to tail-end batters when he cranks up it. The boys have been calling ‘the mop’ for a few years.
“He’s is a excellent option for us. We believe this wicket might suit him and, if we make that call, we’re sure he will do a wonderful job.”
Paine added on Khawaja being the man to miss out with Steve Smith now fit to return after a concussion. “Usman is an integral player but he hasn’t scored the runs he or we would like.
“With Smith coming back it was a tough choice to create Usman.
“We think he has a great deal of cricket left in him. He has had a very good Test record over his career and we expect that he will bounce back quite strongly.”
Watch day among this fourth Ashes Test live in 10am on Wednesday on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports The Ashes.
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