Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar on Monday lashed out at Australian captain Tim Paine for sledging Ravichandran Ashwin during the drawn Sydney Test as he said that his behaviour was unbefitting of a leader and could ultimately cost him his leadership duties. &nbsp;

Australia’s lethal bowling attack was unable to run past the Indian batting unit as the visitors hung on for a memorable draw at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground.&nbsp;

"I don't know I am not an Australian selector, but his days as captain are numbered. If you allow the Indian team to bat 130-odd overs without getting wickets, this is a very good Australian attack. The bowling changes, the field placements, everything could have made a difference to the result," Gavaskar told India Today. &nbsp;

Paine’s dropped catches resulted in Australia failing to dismiss the Indian batting unit in the second innings. Even after exchanging war of words with Ashwin to break his concentration, Paine dropped Vihari’s catch which was the final nail in the coffin for the hosts.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-3rd-test-bruised-and-broken-but-sydney-was-conquered-356068" hreflang="en">Bruised and broken but Sydney was 'conquered'</a>

"Tim Paine was more interested in talking to the batsman rather than his field placing and bowling changes. So I won't be surprised if there is a change in the Australian captaincy after the series is over," Gavaskar said. &nbsp;

Paine dropped three catches during the match. &nbsp;

"If you drop simple catches, Rishabh Pant got two edges, they were not difficult catches, the last one which he missed off Vihari was also which he could have left to the first slip," the former India skipper said. &nbsp;

"He was a little bit disturbed, his concentration was not thereafter that little episode with R Ashwin." In the 122nd over, Paine could be heard on stump mic, trying to sledge Ashwin. He even used an abusive word during the chatter. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/disgrace-fans-slam-steve-smith-tim-paine-matthew-wade-for-wayward-antics-in-sydney-test-355990" hreflang="en">'Disgrace': Fans slam Steve Smith, Tim Paine, Matthew Wade for wayward antics in Sydney Test</a>

"First and foremost, it was unbefitting of a captain of a national team to be talking about something other than cricket," Gavaskar said. &nbsp;

"By all means, you want to have a go at the opposition, you talk about their cricket, you can tell the batsmen he doesn't know how to play, you can say he is no good. &nbsp;

"All those kinds of things are completely acceptable because you're talking cricket. But when you talk about something else, it shows your frustration. It shows you are not able to bear the fact that the opposition is putting up a fight." &nbsp;

India stood firm as Ashwin and Vihari battled pain to register the draw to keep the hopes of winning consecutive Test series in Australia alive. &nbsp;

"But see, this game, I had the former Australian captain sitting next to me and doing commentary. He said this game has a wonderful way of coming back and biting you on the back. &nbsp;

"Your best bet is to concentrate on the game and try not to upset the opposition with this kind of nonsense that has no place in the game," Gavaskar said. &nbsp;

Paine, on the other hand, defended himself as he said no harm was done and it was all part of the game.&nbsp;

"There was a bit of by-play going on. They were wasting a bit of time, we were getting a bit frustrated, we let him know, he had a bit of say back and again it's all part of the game. No harm done," he said during the virtual post-match press conference. &nbsp;

India will take on Australia in the fourth and final Test at the Gabba in Brisbane from January 15.&nbsp;

(With PTI Inputs)

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar on Monday lashed out at Australian captain Tim Paine for sledging Ravichandran Ashwin during the drawn Sydney Test as he said that his behaviour was unbefitting of a leader and could ultimately cost him his leadership duties.

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar on Monday lashed out at Australian captain Tim Paine for sledging Ravichandran Ashwin during the drawn Sydney Test as he said that his behaviour was unbefitting of a leader and could ultimately cost him his leadership duties. Australia’s lethal bowling attack was unable to run past the Indian batting unit as the visitors hung on for a memorable draw at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. "I don't know I am not an Australian selector, but his days as captain are numbered. If you allow the Indian team to bat 130-odd overs without getting wickets, this is a very good Australian attack. The bowling changes, the field placements, everything could have made a difference to the result," Gavaskar told India Today. Paine’s dropped catches resulted in Australia failing to dismiss the Indian batting unit in the second innings. Even after exchanging war of words with Ashwin to break his concentration, Paine dropped Vihari’s catch which was the final nail in the coffin for the hosts. ALSO READ: Bruised and broken but Sydney was 'conquered' "Tim Paine was more interested in talking to the batsman rather than his field placing and bowling changes. So I won't be surprised if there is a change in the Australian captaincy after the series is over," Gavaskar said. Paine dropped three catches during the match. "If you drop simple catches, Rishabh Pant got two edges, they were not difficult catches, the last one which he missed off Vihari was also which he could have left to the first slip," the former India skipper said. "He was a little bit disturbed, his concentration was not thereafter that little episode with R Ashwin." In the 122nd over, Paine could be heard on stump mic, trying to sledge Ashwin. He even used an abusive word during the chatter. ALSO READ: 'Disgrace': Fans slam Steve Smith, Tim Paine, Matthew Wade for wayward antics in Sydney Test "First and foremost, it was unbefitting of a captain of a national team to be talking about something other than cricket," Gavaskar said. "By all means, you want to have a go at the opposition, you talk about their cricket, you can tell the batsmen he doesn't know how to play, you can say he is no good. "All those kinds of things are completely acceptable because you're talking cricket. But when you talk about something else, it shows your frustration. It shows you are not able to bear the fact that the opposition is putting up a fight." India stood firm as Ashwin and Vihari battled pain to register the draw to keep the hopes of winning consecutive Test series in Australia alive. "But see, this game, I had the former Australian captain sitting next to me and doing commentary. He said this game has a wonderful way of coming back and biting you on the back. "Your best bet is to concentrate on the game and try not to upset the opposition with this kind of nonsense that has no place in the game," Gavaskar said. Paine, on the other hand, defended himself as he said no harm was done and it was all part of the game. "There was a bit of by-play going on. They were wasting a bit of time, we were getting a bit frustrated, we let him know, he had a bit of say back and again it's all part of the game. No harm done," he said during the virtual post-match press conference. India will take on Australia in the fourth and final Test at the Gabba in Brisbane from January 15. (With PTI Inputs)

'His days as captain are numbered': Sunil Gavaskar rips into Tim Paine for unruly conduct

Cricket fans on Monday took to social media Twitter to heavily criticise the antics of Australian cricketers Steve Smith, Tim Paine and Matthew Wade as India held on to a memorable draw in the third Test in Sydney to keep the series alive at 1-1.&nbsp;

Despite many injuries and blows, Indian cricketers displayed immense courage and unity to play 131 overs in the second innings of the Sydney Test to clinch a draw. The likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Rishabh Pant, Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin were the heroes of the Sydney Test as they blunted a threatening Australian bowling attack to register a draw. &nbsp;

However, fans were left furious when the camera spotted Steve Smith scuff up Rishabh Pant’s batting guard during the drinks break on Day 5 of the Sydney Test – at a time when the southpaw was going all-out against the Aussies. He ended up scoring 97 off 118 deliveries in what was one of the finest counter-attacking knocks on Day 5 on Australian soil. &nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/really-proud-sachin-tendulkar-leads-wishes-for-team-india-after-unforgettable-draw-in-sydney-355962" hreflang="en">'Really proud': Sachin Tendulkar leads wishes for Team India after unforgettable draw in Sydney</a>

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Tried all tricks including Steve Smith trying to remove Pant's batting guard marks from the crease. Par kuch kaam na aaya. Khaaya peeya kuch nahi, glass toda barana. 
But I am so so proud of the effort of the Indian team today. Seena chonda ho gaya yaar. <a href="https://t.co/IfttxRXHeM">pic.twitter.com/IfttxRXHeM</a>
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) <a href="https://twitter.com/virendersehwag/status/1348528230655950850?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SteveSmith?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SteveSmith</a> once a cheater always a cheater...😡😡😡 Cricket Don't Deserve You... <a href="https://t.co/ChxUGPubHk">pic.twitter.com/ChxUGPubHk</a>
— STR (@AmourAnand) <a href="https://twitter.com/AmourAnand/status/1348494382337384448?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"The wicket was pretty benign. It always means a lot when you score a hundred. Scoring at my homeground was special.” Steve Smith. 
 
And how special was it to erase Pant’s batting guard marks? Take it it was very very special. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cheat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cheat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Coward?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Coward</a> 
<a href="https://t.co/uTi3klbU7N">pic.twitter.com/uTi3klbU7N</a>
— Cricketologist (@AMP86793444) <a href="https://twitter.com/AMP86793444/status/1348558475379539968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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If life gives a second chance use it like warner not like Smith <a href="https://t.co/01ZCQGjQkO">pic.twitter.com/01ZCQGjQkO</a>
— Monkey. D. Garp (@Prasanthtarak9) <a href="https://twitter.com/Prasanthtarak9/status/1348558367334100993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/against-all-odds-injury-plagued-team-india-seal-memorable-draw-in-sydney-355939" hreflang="en">Against all odds, injury-plagued Team India seal memorable draw in Sydney</a>

As Pant and Pujara departed, Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin kept on going to frustrate the hosts. Vihari, who pulled his hamstring soon, kept on defending despite not able to take singles due to pain. Both Pant and Vihari were on heavy dosage of pain killers and defied all odds to take India over the line to register the draw. &nbsp;

Matthew Wade threw the ball towards Vihari quite a few times and the ball ended up hitting the Indian batsman. Australia’s way of trying to break India’s concentration didn’t work as the visitors held the fort. But the behaviour did irritate fans on social media. &nbsp;

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Wade is frustrated after realising that ashwin playing more sensible cricket then him<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://t.co/mGCAQVL0Oz">pic.twitter.com/mGCAQVL0Oz</a>
— Deepak Yadav (@007deepak_) <a href="https://twitter.com/007deepak_/status/1348527274987978755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Aussies showing their true colours - why am I not surprised 🤦<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvsIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvINDtest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvINDtest</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Australia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Australia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Vihari?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Vihari</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Payne?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Payne</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stevesmith?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stevesmith</a> <a href="https://t.co/0quJIEhL2A">pic.twitter.com/0quJIEhL2A</a>
— Nimisha Ahuja (@Nims_Ahuja) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nims_Ahuja/status/1348517665816469507?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Vihari has been hit twice on the body while Wade throwing it, Vihari hasn't said single word but just smiled.
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1348522159790907394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Wade hit Vihari trying to run-out, who isn't even going for an easy single. Do you think he would be wandering out for fun, you idiot? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a>
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FarziCricketer/status/1348508668212334597?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Even Australian skipper Tim Paine got involved in a war of words with Ravichandran Ashwin but the latter kept his cool and gave some savage replies to the Aussie. As time kept on ticking, Paine's sledging and frustration grew. While Ashwin kept his concentration, Paine ended up dropping Vihari’s catch at a crucial juncture of the game.&nbsp;

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I want Ashwin's autograph 😂. Roasted the "temporary captain" Tim Paine<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/stevesmith?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#stevesmith</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wade?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wade</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashwin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashwin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TimPaine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TimPaine</a> <a href="https://t.co/IkH8SoYKzS">pic.twitter.com/IkH8SoYKzS</a>
— ARYAN TRIPATHI (@AryanTripathi_2) <a href="https://twitter.com/AryanTripathi_2/status/1348535206421032961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Conversation between Tim Paine and Ravi Ashwin. 
 
Paine: "Can't wait for the Gabba Test". 
 
Ravi Ashwin: "Can't wait to see you in India, that will be your last series". <a href="https://t.co/0yWs9jLUqW">pic.twitter.com/0yWs9jLUqW</a>
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) <a href="https://twitter.com/mufaddal_vohra/status/1348521355596075008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Paine, if you don’t stop talking....Batsman isn’t going to bat. Simple. Let your gloves do the talking. You’re considered to be the good boy of Australian cricket....live up to the reputation. At least. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusvInd?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusvInd</a>
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketaakash/status/1348517169194094598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Who here has lost respect for Steve Smith and Tim Paine? Because I have. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvIND</a>
— Jay (@bhavsarJ2_0) <a href="https://twitter.com/bhavsarJ2_0/status/1348500158640578561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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It is quite funny how often Tim Paine's sledges are "well nobody likes you and people like me" <a href="https://t.co/rZzxYzM8pg">https://t.co/rZzxYzM8pg</a>
— Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/benjonescricket/status/1348539004657020928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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India drew the Sydney Test after showing immense grit, resilience and character and will now try to defy all the odds, once again when they take the field at The Gabba in Brisbane for the fourth Test in a bid to win back-to-back Test series on Australian soil.&nbsp;

“Our talk coming this morning was to show character and fight till the end. Not to think about the result. Really happy with the way we fought especially today but also throughout the game, even in the first innings when Australia were 200 for 2 and getting them all out for 338 was really good. There are few areas we can improve on but special mention to Vihari and Ashwin. The way they batted in the end and showed character was really good to see. Credit to him (Pant). We made that strategy but in the end it is all about the player executing the plan,” said Indian skipper Rahane at the end of the match. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Cricket fans on Monday took to social media Twitter to heavily criticise the antics of Australian cricketers Steve Smith, Tim Paine and Matthew Wade as India held on to a memorable draw in the third Test in Sydney to keep the series alive at 1-1.

Cricket fans on Monday took to social media Twitter to heavily criticise the antics of Australian cricketers Steve Smith, Tim Paine and Matthew Wade as India held on to a memorable draw in the third Test in Sydney to keep the series alive at 1-1. Despite many injuries and blows, Indian cricketers displayed immense courage and unity to play 131 overs in the second innings of the Sydney Test to clinch a draw. The likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Rishabh Pant, Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin were the heroes of the Sydney Test as they blunted a threatening Australian bowling attack to register a draw. However, fans were left furious when the camera spotted Steve Smith scuff up Rishabh Pant’s batting guard during the drinks break on Day 5 of the Sydney Test – at a time when the southpaw was going all-out against the Aussies. He ended up scoring 97 off 118 deliveries in what was one of the finest counter-attacking knocks on Day 5 on Australian soil. ALSO READ: 'Really proud': Sachin Tendulkar leads wishes for Team India after unforgettable draw in Sydney Tried all tricks including Steve Smith trying to remove Pant's batting guard marks from the crease. Par kuch kaam na aaya. Khaaya peeya kuch nahi, glass toda barana. But I am so so proud of the effort of the Indian team today. Seena chonda ho gaya yaar. pic.twitter.com/IfttxRXHeM — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 11, 2021 × #SteveSmith once a cheater always a cheater...😡😡😡 Cricket Don't Deserve You... pic.twitter.com/ChxUGPubHk — STR (@AmourAnand) January 11, 2021 × "The wicket was pretty benign. It always means a lot when you score a hundred. Scoring at my homeground was special.” Steve Smith. And how special was it to erase Pant’s batting guard marks? Take it it was very very special. #Cheat #Coward pic.twitter.com/uTi3klbU7N — Cricketologist (@AMP86793444) January 11, 2021 × If life gives a second chance use it like warner not like Smith pic.twitter.com/01ZCQGjQkO — Monkey. D. Garp (@Prasanthtarak9) January 11, 2021 × ALSO READ: Against all odds, injury-plagued Team India seal memorable draw in Sydney As Pant and Pujara departed, Hanuma Vihari and Ravichandran Ashwin kept on going to frustrate the hosts. Vihari, who pulled his hamstring soon, kept on defending despite not able to take singles due to pain. Both Pant and Vihari were on heavy dosage of pain killers and defied all odds to take India over the line to register the draw. Matthew Wade threw the ball towards Vihari quite a few times and the ball ended up hitting the Indian batsman. Australia’s way of trying to break India’s concentration didn’t work as the visitors held the fort. But the behaviour did irritate fans on social media. Wade is frustrated after realising that ashwin playing more sensible cricket then him#INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/mGCAQVL0Oz — Deepak Yadav (@007deepak_) January 11, 2021 × Aussies showing their true colours - why am I not surprised 🤦#AUSvsIND #AUSvINDtest #Australia #Vihari #Payne #stevesmith pic.twitter.com/0quJIEhL2A — Nimisha Ahuja (@Nims_Ahuja) January 11, 2021 × Vihari has been hit twice on the body while Wade throwing it, Vihari hasn't said single word but just smiled. — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 11, 2021 × Wade hit Vihari trying to run-out, who isn't even going for an easy single. Do you think he would be wandering out for fun, you idiot? #AUSvIND — Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) January 11, 2021 × Even Australian skipper Tim Paine got involved in a war of words with Ravichandran Ashwin but the latter kept his cool and gave some savage replies to the Aussie. As time kept on ticking, Paine's sledging and frustration grew. While Ashwin kept his concentration, Paine ended up dropping Vihari’s catch at a crucial juncture of the game. I want Ashwin's autograph 😂. Roasted the "temporary captain" Tim Paine#INDvAUS #stevesmith #Wade #Ashwin #TimPaine pic.twitter.com/IkH8SoYKzS — ARYAN TRIPATHI (@AryanTripathi_2) January 11, 2021 × Conversation between Tim Paine and Ravi Ashwin. Paine: "Can't wait for the Gabba Test". Ravi Ashwin: "Can't wait to see you in India, that will be your last series". pic.twitter.com/0yWs9jLUqW — Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) January 11, 2021 × Paine, if you don’t stop talking....Batsman isn’t going to bat. Simple. Let your gloves do the talking. You’re considered to be the good boy of Australian cricket....live up to the reputation. At least. #AusvInd — Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) January 11, 2021 × Who here has lost respect for Steve Smith and Tim Paine? Because I have. #AUSvIND — Jay (@bhavsarJ2_0) January 11, 2021 × It is quite funny how often Tim Paine's sledges are "well nobody likes you and people like me" https://t.co/rZzxYzM8pg — Ben Jones (@benjonescricket) January 11, 2021 × India drew the Sydney Test after showing immense grit, resilience and character and will now try to defy all the odds, once again when they take the field at The Gabba in Brisbane for the fourth Test in a bid to win back-to-back Test series on Australian soil. “Our talk coming this morning was to show character and fight till the end. Not to think about the result. Really happy with the way we fought especially today but also throughout the game, even in the first innings when Australia were 200 for 2 and getting them all out for 338 was really good. There are few areas we can improve on but special mention to Vihari and Ashwin. The way they batted in the end and showed character was really good to see. Credit to him (Pant). We made that strategy but in the end it is all about the player executing the plan,” said Indian skipper Rahane at the end of the match.

'Disgrace': Fans slam Steve Smith, Tim Paine, Matthew Wade for wayward antics in Sydney Test

Australian skipper Tim Paine has been fined 15 per cent of match fee for expressing his dissent at the umpire's dissent after a failed review during the Day 3 of the third Test as the SCG, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Sunday.

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According to ICC, Paine breached article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct -- which relates to showing dissent during an international match -- and one demerit point was added to his disciplinary record.

It happened in the 56th over of India's first innings on Saturday after Paine was confident that Pujara edged a Nathan Lyon delivery to Matthew Wade at short leg, but on-field umpire Paul Wilson ruled not out. The wicketkeeper (Paine) was quick to review the decision, however, DRS ruled it in favor of the batsman due to no evidence on Snicko or HotSpot.&nbsp;

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This decision left Paine fuming and made an expletive comment which was picked by the stumps' mic in decision-making.&nbsp;

"Paine admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by David Boon of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees and ratified by the ICC Cricket Operations department as per the COVID-19 interim playing regulations," the ICC said in a statement.&nbsp;

"There was no need for a formal hearing."

(Inputs from Reuters)

Australian skipper Tim Paine has been fined 15 per cent of match fee for expressing his dissent at the umpire's dissent after a failed review during the Day 3 of the third Test as the SCG, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Sunday.

Australian skipper Tim Paine has been fined 15 per cent of match fee for expressing his dissent at the umpire's dissent after a failed review during the Day 3 of the third Test as the SCG, the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Sunday. ALSO READ: Australia remain on top after Day 4 as India needs big innings to seal victory According to ICC, Paine breached article 2.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct -- which relates to showing dissent during an international match -- and one demerit point was added to his disciplinary record. It happened in the 56th over of India's first innings on Saturday after Paine was confident that Pujara edged a Nathan Lyon delivery to Matthew Wade at short leg, but on-field umpire Paul Wilson ruled not out. The wicketkeeper (Paine) was quick to review the decision, however, DRS ruled it in favor of the batsman due to no evidence on Snicko or HotSpot. ALSO READ: Former cricketers fume after racial attacks on Team India at SCG This decision left Paine fuming and made an expletive comment which was picked by the stumps' mic in decision-making. "Paine admitted the offence and accepted the sanction proposed by David Boon of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees and ratified by the ICC Cricket Operations department as per the COVID-19 interim playing regulations," the ICC said in a statement. "There was no need for a formal hearing." (Inputs from Reuters)

Australian captain Tim Paine fined 15 percent of match fee for expletive comments: ICC

With reports surfacing that India are discontent at the prospect of being forced into hard quarantine for the fourth Test against Australia in Brisbane, Australian captain Tim Paine reckoned that the controversial build-up could raise tensions on the field during the third Test match in Sydney.&nbsp;

Paine conceded that reports stating that India might not turn up to play at the Gabba has started to annoy some of the Aussie players and could result in a high-tension match when the third Test starts at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday.

"I think there`s a bit of tension starting to boil under the surface with a lot of unnamed sources coming out from their camp saying where they want to play the fourth test and where they don`t want to go," Paine said in his pre-match news conference.

"I think it`s starting to grind a few people, so we`ll see how it goes."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/quarantine-is-challenging-when-life-in-sydney-is-normal-india-captain-ajinkya-rahane-354796" hreflang="en">Quarantine is challenging when life in Sydney is normal: India captain Ajinkya Rahane</a>

India have officially made no statement about the issue and on Monday, Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley said the fourth Test is scheduled to be played in Brisbane and he has heard nothing from the Indian camp about the quarantine protocols.

However, Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane on Wednesday said that quarantine was "challenging" when life outside in Sydney was "normal". When asked about a potential Brisbane boycott, Rahane evaded the question and said that the "BCCI and team management" will take a final call.&nbsp;

"Quarantine life is definitely a challenge, especially we know that in Australia, in Sydney especially, the life is normal," he told reporters.

"The players are stuck in the room, which is okay. We know how to handle it, we are prepared for any kind of situation. We are not at all annoyed. We know what`s our priority here.

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"We are here to play cricket and we just want to do that. Starting from tomorrow, start well in the test match and, as a team, as a unit, we are just focused on playing some good cricket."

On the other hand, Paine said Australia would play the fourth Test anywhere in the world, even Mumbai."When you hear things like that coming, particularly from India, who we know hold a lot of power in world cricket, it`s likely that it could happen," he said.

"But we`re not too fussed. We`re not buying into where the test is being played. As far as we`re aware it is at the Gabba, but as I said in the team meeting the other day, we couldn`t care less.

"If you rang us up and said it`s in Mumbai tomorrow, we`d get on a plane and we`d go and play it. That`s the way we are looking at it."

The four-Test series is nicely locked at 1-1 after India made a cracking comeback in the Boxing Day Test. Both India and Australia would be looking to win the Sydney Test and take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series.

With reports surfacing that India are discontent at the prospect of being forced into hard quarantine for the fourth Test against Australia in Brisbane, Australian captain Tim Paine reckoned that the controversial build-up could raise tensions on the field during the third Test match in Sydney.

With reports surfacing that India are discontent at the prospect of being forced into hard quarantine for the fourth Test against Australia in Brisbane, Australian captain Tim Paine reckoned that the controversial build-up could raise tensions on the field during the third Test match in Sydney. Paine conceded that reports stating that India might not turn up to play at the Gabba has started to annoy some of the Aussie players and could result in a high-tension match when the third Test starts at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday. "I think there`s a bit of tension starting to boil under the surface with a lot of unnamed sources coming out from their camp saying where they want to play the fourth test and where they don`t want to go," Paine said in his pre-match news conference. "I think it`s starting to grind a few people, so we`ll see how it goes." ALSO READ: Quarantine is challenging when life in Sydney is normal: India captain Ajinkya Rahane India have officially made no statement about the issue and on Monday, Cricket Australia boss Nick Hockley said the fourth Test is scheduled to be played in Brisbane and he has heard nothing from the Indian camp about the quarantine protocols. However, Indian captain Ajinkya Rahane on Wednesday said that quarantine was "challenging" when life outside in Sydney was "normal". When asked about a potential Brisbane boycott, Rahane evaded the question and said that the "BCCI and team management" will take a final call. "Quarantine life is definitely a challenge, especially we know that in Australia, in Sydney especially, the life is normal," he told reporters. "The players are stuck in the room, which is okay. We know how to handle it, we are prepared for any kind of situation. We are not at all annoyed. We know what`s our priority here. ALSO READ: India announce playing XI for Sydney Test vs Australia; Rohit Sharma, Navdeep Saini start "We are here to play cricket and we just want to do that. Starting from tomorrow, start well in the test match and, as a team, as a unit, we are just focused on playing some good cricket." On the other hand, Paine said Australia would play the fourth Test anywhere in the world, even Mumbai."When you hear things like that coming, particularly from India, who we know hold a lot of power in world cricket, it`s likely that it could happen," he said. "But we`re not too fussed. We`re not buying into where the test is being played. As far as we`re aware it is at the Gabba, but as I said in the team meeting the other day, we couldn`t care less. "If you rang us up and said it`s in Mumbai tomorrow, we`d get on a plane and we`d go and play it. That`s the way we are looking at it." The four-Test series is nicely locked at 1-1 after India made a cracking comeback in the Boxing Day Test. Both India and Australia would be looking to win the Sydney Test and take an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series.

AUS vs IND: Tensions broil over Team India Brisbane boycott reports

Australia have been fined 40 per cent of their match fee and penalised four ICC World Test Championship points for maintaining a slow over-rate against India in the second Test that ended in Melbourne on Tuesday.

David Boon of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after Tim Paine’s side was ruled to be two overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration.

In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined 20 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time. In addition, as per Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions, a side is penalised two points for each over short. Consequently, four World Test Championship points have been deducted from Australia’s points total.&nbsp;

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Paine pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

On-field umpires Bruce Oxenford and Paul Reiffel, third umpire Paul Wilson and fourth umpire Gerard Abood leveled the charge. 
Australia lost the Boxing Day Test vs India by eight wickets as Ajinkya Rahane’s men bounced back after Adelaide Horror to equalise the four-match Test series 1-1. Rahane was awarded Man of the Match for his incredible century in the first innings, which laid the platform for India to take charge in the Boxing Day Test.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-is-very-passionate-ajinkya-is-calm-ravi-shastri-on-captaincy-comparison-after-boxing-day-test-353109" hreflang="en">Virat is very passionate, Ajinkya is calm: Ravi Shastri on captaincy comparison after Boxing Day Test</a>

“Really proud of all the players. Played really well. Want to give credit to the debutants Siraj and Gill, the character they showed after the Adelaide loss was great to see. Character was important for us, especially after losing Umesh in the second innings. The talk was all about showing the attitude and intent on the field. As I said, character. Adelaide was about one hour that took the game away from us. Lots to learn for even now. Australia applied themselves with their last five wickets,” said Rahane after the completion of Boxing Day Test.&nbsp;

India will now take on Australia in the third Test, scheduled to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 7. 
&nbsp;

Australia have been fined 40 per cent of their match fee and penalised four ICC World Test Championship points for maintaining a slow over-rate against India in the second Test that ended in Melbourne on Tuesday.

Australia have been fined 40 per cent of their match fee and penalised four ICC World Test Championship points for maintaining a slow over-rate against India in the second Test that ended in Melbourne on Tuesday. David Boon of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction after Tim Paine’s side was ruled to be two overs short of the target after time allowances were taken into consideration. In accordance with Article 2.22 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to minimum over-rate offences, players are fined 20 per cent of their match fees for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time. In addition, as per Article 16.11.2 of the ICC World Test Championship playing conditions, a side is penalised two points for each over short. Consequently, four World Test Championship points have been deducted from Australia’s points total. ALSO READ: Ajinkya Rahane joins MS Dhoni in a rare list as India win Boxing Day Test vs Australia Paine pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing. On-field umpires Bruce Oxenford and Paul Reiffel, third umpire Paul Wilson and fourth umpire Gerard Abood leveled the charge. Australia lost the Boxing Day Test vs India by eight wickets as Ajinkya Rahane’s men bounced back after Adelaide Horror to equalise the four-match Test series 1-1. Rahane was awarded Man of the Match for his incredible century in the first innings, which laid the platform for India to take charge in the Boxing Day Test. ALSO READ: Virat is very passionate, Ajinkya is calm: Ravi Shastri on captaincy comparison after Boxing Day Test “Really proud of all the players. Played really well. Want to give credit to the debutants Siraj and Gill, the character they showed after the Adelaide loss was great to see. Character was important for us, especially after losing Umesh in the second innings. The talk was all about showing the attitude and intent on the field. As I said, character. Adelaide was about one hour that took the game away from us. Lots to learn for even now. Australia applied themselves with their last five wickets,” said Rahane after the completion of Boxing Day Test. India will now take on Australia in the third Test, scheduled to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 7.

Australia fined for slow-over rate in Boxing Day Test vs India

Australian captain Tim Paine was involved in a controversial Decision Review System (DRS) decision during the Day 3 of the ongoing Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne. Paine was given out by the third umpire despite the Hot-Spot showing no edges as a Ravindra Jadeja delivery spun past Paine’s bat into the gloves of wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant.

Jadeja, along with Indian fielders desperately appealed to the umpire but Paine was given not-out. Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane immediately took the DRS as everyone thought the ball had clipped the edge of Paine’s willow.&nbsp;

The third umpire first checked the Hot-Spot which showed no edge on Paine’s bat but the Snick-o-Meter showed a slight spike as the ball went past Paine’s bat. Despite the confusion, the third umpire decided to give Paine out.

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Paine walked back to the pavilion in disbelief as the third umpire found a 'dull' spike on the snickometer was enough to overturn the on-field call and give the Australia captain out while commentators pondered if it was made by the batter's front foot-dragging on the pitch.

<h2>WATCH: Tim Pain caught out by fresh DRS controversy</h2>

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Australia ended Day 3 on 133/6, with a lead of 2 runs, as Cameron Green (17) and Pat Cummins (15) remained unbeaten for the hosts after Indian bowlers dominated the proceedings.&nbsp;

The likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Ravichandran Ashwin picked a wicket each while Ravindra Jadeja ended up with two scalps.&nbsp;

India would be looking to wrap up the Australian innings quickly when they take the field on Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test and equalise the series after going down 1-0 in the Adelaide Test.

 
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Australian captain Tim Paine was involved in a controversial Decision Review System (DRS) decision during the Day 3 of the ongoing Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne.

Australian captain Tim Paine was involved in a controversial Decision Review System (DRS) decision during the Day 3 of the ongoing Boxing Day Test between India and Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne. Paine was given out by the third umpire despite the Hot-Spot showing no edges as a Ravindra Jadeja delivery spun past Paine’s bat into the gloves of wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant. Jadeja, along with Indian fielders desperately appealed to the umpire but Paine was given not-out. Indian skipper Ajinkya Rahane immediately took the DRS as everyone thought the ball had clipped the edge of Paine’s willow. The third umpire first checked the Hot-Spot which showed no edge on Paine’s bat but the Snick-o-Meter showed a slight spike as the ball went past Paine’s bat. Despite the confusion, the third umpire decided to give Paine out. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli named ICC Male Cricketer of the Decade, ODI Player of the Decade - Check full list Paine walked back to the pavilion in disbelief as the third umpire found a 'dull' spike on the snickometer was enough to overturn the on-field call and give the Australia captain out while commentators pondered if it was made by the batter's front foot-dragging on the pitch. WATCH: Tim Pain caught out by fresh DRS controversy × ALSO READ: New Zealand fans brutally troll Pakistan with a viral placard during Boxing Day Test Australia ended Day 3 on 133/6, with a lead of 2 runs, as Cameron Green (17) and Pat Cummins (15) remained unbeaten for the hosts after Indian bowlers dominated the proceedings. The likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Ravichandran Ashwin picked a wicket each while Ravindra Jadeja ended up with two scalps. India would be looking to wrap up the Australian innings quickly when they take the field on Day 4 of the Boxing Day Test and equalise the series after going down 1-0 in the Adelaide Test.

WATCH: Out or not-out? Tim Paine caught out by fresh DRS controversy

Skipper Tim Paine Friday called India a proud nation that won't roll over in the Boxing Day Test, and Australia must be "bang on the mark" to inflict more misery after their Adelaide collapse.

Australia head into the second Test in Melbourne full of confidence after thumping the visitors by eight wickets inside three days last week, skittling them for an embarrassing 36 in the second innings.

But Paine said it would be a mistake to underestimate India despite the tourists missing superstar captain Virat Kohli, who has returned home for the birth of his first child.

They will almost certainly also be without pace spearhead Mohammed Shami, who has reportedly fractured his wrist although this has yet to be confirmed by the team.

"We can't pay any attention to mental scares or whatever anyone is talking about," Paine said of India, who were savaged at home for their Adelaide capitulation.

"I mean, India is a proud cricket country, they are an extremely talented Test match side with lots of dangerous players."

India will need to make at least two changes with Kohli and Shami out, but are widely tipped to make more. In contrast, Australia are expected to name the same XI.

Paine said Australia had studied everyone in the Indian squad and they were ready for whoever took the field.

"We know that some of the players they're talking about coming in to their side ... are dangerous players who like to take the game on and will play positively," he said.

"If we give players like that an inch they will take a mile, so we need to be bang on the mark tomorrow as we were in Adelaide and be prepared to turn up for another five day battle."

<h2>- In the moment -</h2>

Ajinkya Rahane, who has assumed the captaincy, said he didn't plan to disturb Kohli as he prepares for his wife to give birth, but said they spoke at length before he left.

"Virat spoke to all of us before leaving Adelaide, about being positive, just playing to our strengths and just to play as a team, as a unit, which is what we have been doing for so many years," he said.

"The last Test match, we had, comparatively, two good days and just one bad one where we lost it completely.

"This week was all about backing ourselves as individuals and as a team, playing to our strengths," he added.&nbsp;

"What is important for all of us is to start well tomorrow ... staying in the moment will really help."

Both teams have been living in bio-secure bubbles to ensure the series goes ahead in the new coronavirus world and Paine admitted it was easier to do so when you were winning.

This was another incentive for his team to again put India to the sword at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where up to 30,000 fans will be allowed each day -- around one-third capacity.

"We have been on overseas tours before when we have been bowled out for 50 and it can be really difficult, that's why it's so important for us to turn up tomorrow with the attitude that we turned up with in the first Test," he said.

"We know they're not going to roll over, we're going to have to work our backsides off to get them in a position like we did in Adelaide.

"If we can do it again, then Tests three and four can become a real battle for them."

Skipper Tim Paine Friday called India a proud nation that won't roll over in the Boxing Day Test, and Australia must be "bang on the mark" to inflict more misery after their Adelaide collapse.

Skipper Tim Paine Friday called India a proud nation that won't roll over in the Boxing Day Test, and Australia must be "bang on the mark" to inflict more misery after their Adelaide collapse. Australia head into the second Test in Melbourne full of confidence after thumping the visitors by eight wickets inside three days last week, skittling them for an embarrassing 36 in the second innings. But Paine said it would be a mistake to underestimate India despite the tourists missing superstar captain Virat Kohli, who has returned home for the birth of his first child. They will almost certainly also be without pace spearhead Mohammed Shami, who has reportedly fractured his wrist although this has yet to be confirmed by the team. "We can't pay any attention to mental scares or whatever anyone is talking about," Paine said of India, who were savaged at home for their Adelaide capitulation. "I mean, India is a proud cricket country, they are an extremely talented Test match side with lots of dangerous players." India will need to make at least two changes with Kohli and Shami out, but are widely tipped to make more. In contrast, Australia are expected to name the same XI. Paine said Australia had studied everyone in the Indian squad and they were ready for whoever took the field. "We know that some of the players they're talking about coming in to their side ... are dangerous players who like to take the game on and will play positively," he said. "If we give players like that an inch they will take a mile, so we need to be bang on the mark tomorrow as we were in Adelaide and be prepared to turn up for another five day battle." - In the moment - Ajinkya Rahane, who has assumed the captaincy, said he didn't plan to disturb Kohli as he prepares for his wife to give birth, but said they spoke at length before he left. "Virat spoke to all of us before leaving Adelaide, about being positive, just playing to our strengths and just to play as a team, as a unit, which is what we have been doing for so many years," he said. "The last Test match, we had, comparatively, two good days and just one bad one where we lost it completely. "This week was all about backing ourselves as individuals and as a team, playing to our strengths," he added. "What is important for all of us is to start well tomorrow ... staying in the moment will really help." Both teams have been living in bio-secure bubbles to ensure the series goes ahead in the new coronavirus world and Paine admitted it was easier to do so when you were winning. This was another incentive for his team to again put India to the sword at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where up to 30,000 fans will be allowed each day -- around one-third capacity. "We have been on overseas tours before when we have been bowled out for 50 and it can be really difficult, that's why it's so important for us to turn up tomorrow with the attitude that we turned up with in the first Test," he said. "We know they're not going to roll over, we're going to have to work our backsides off to get them in a position like we did in Adelaide. "If we can do it again, then Tests three and four can become a real battle for them."

Paine wary of depleted India in Melbourne

Australian skipper Tim Paine on Friday said that India is a proud cricketing nation and will not roll over in the Boxing Day Test like they did in Adelaide. According to Paine, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant will be potential threats in the second Test match.&nbsp;

India will be starting afresh in the second Test match after witnessing a mammoth collapse in the series-opener in Adelaide.

“Well, we can’t pay any attention to mental scars or whatever thing they’re talking about,” the skipper, who was named Man of the Match in the first Test, said during a virtual press conference.

“We know India is a proud cricket country, an extremely talented Test match side with lots of dangerous players.” Paine, who has led Australia in 20 Tests so far, recalled the Ashes last year when England bounced back in the fifth Test to level the series after being 1-2 down.

“We saw in England that we can come unstuck pretty quickly... the moment we take our foot off the pedal and think we’re going all right.

“A huge focus of ours since that fifth Test since the Ashes has been winning after winning. But we’ve been fantastic in how we’ve prepared for this game.” With their talismanic captain Virat Kohli (paternity leave) and pacer Mohammed Shami (injured) not available, India are set to make as many as five changes.

“We know that some of the players they’re talking about coming into their side like KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant are all dangerous players who want to take the game on by playing positively.

“If we give them an inch, they will take a mile. So we got to be bang on the mark tomorrow as we were in Adelaide, and prepare to turn up for another five-day battle.

“We know that we won the first Test well but it was only at stumps on day two, we were in a serious fight, so that’s the attitude we’re taking into the next Test.” The skipper is aware of the fact that living in a bio-secure bubble for the tourists can be harsh, especially when they are 0-1 down after a heavy defeat.

“Living in a hub or a bubble, it is certainly easier when you are playing well, there is no doubt about that but the flip side to that is, you are really close, you are really tight-knit and you are always around each other.

“It can go both ways. We have been on overseas tours before to India or South Africa and we were bowled out for 50. It can be really difficult, so, that’s why it is so important for us to turn up with the attitude that we turned up with in the first Test.

“We know they are not going to roll over... We are going to have to work our backsides off to get them in a position like we did in Adelaide.

“If we can do it again, then Tests three and four can become a real battle for them. But, first, we have got to start well and put them back under the pump.”

Australian skipper Tim Paine on Friday said that India is a proud cricketing nation and will not roll over in the Boxing Day Test like they did in Adelaide. According to Paine, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant will be potential threats in the second Test match.

Australian skipper Tim Paine on Friday said that India is a proud cricketing nation and will not roll over in the Boxing Day Test like they did in Adelaide. According to Paine, KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant will be potential threats in the second Test match. India will be starting afresh in the second Test match after witnessing a mammoth collapse in the series-opener in Adelaide. “Well, we can’t pay any attention to mental scars or whatever thing they’re talking about,” the skipper, who was named Man of the Match in the first Test, said during a virtual press conference. “We know India is a proud cricket country, an extremely talented Test match side with lots of dangerous players.” Paine, who has led Australia in 20 Tests so far, recalled the Ashes last year when England bounced back in the fifth Test to level the series after being 1-2 down. “We saw in England that we can come unstuck pretty quickly... the moment we take our foot off the pedal and think we’re going all right. “A huge focus of ours since that fifth Test since the Ashes has been winning after winning. But we’ve been fantastic in how we’ve prepared for this game.” With their talismanic captain Virat Kohli (paternity leave) and pacer Mohammed Shami (injured) not available, India are set to make as many as five changes. “We know that some of the players they’re talking about coming into their side like KL Rahul or Rishabh Pant are all dangerous players who want to take the game on by playing positively. “If we give them an inch, they will take a mile. So we got to be bang on the mark tomorrow as we were in Adelaide, and prepare to turn up for another five-day battle. “We know that we won the first Test well but it was only at stumps on day two, we were in a serious fight, so that’s the attitude we’re taking into the next Test.” The skipper is aware of the fact that living in a bio-secure bubble for the tourists can be harsh, especially when they are 0-1 down after a heavy defeat. “Living in a hub or a bubble, it is certainly easier when you are playing well, there is no doubt about that but the flip side to that is, you are really close, you are really tight-knit and you are always around each other. “It can go both ways. We have been on overseas tours before to India or South Africa and we were bowled out for 50. It can be really difficult, so, that’s why it is so important for us to turn up with the attitude that we turned up with in the first Test. “We know they are not going to roll over... We are going to have to work our backsides off to get them in a position like we did in Adelaide. “If we can do it again, then Tests three and four can become a real battle for them. But, first, we have got to start well and put them back under the pump.”

'India, a proud cricketing nation, will not roll over at MCG': Tim Paine

Indian skipper Virat Kohli's has had a bitter-sweet relationship with Australia. Virat has played some big knocks against the Aussies. However, this year's tour might not be as intense as previous years as Kohli will leave for India after the first Test.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/best-player-ive-ever-seen-in-my-life-aussie-coach-justin-langer-praises-this-indian-batsman-342905" hreflang="en">'Best player I’ve ever seen': Coach Justin Langer praises Indian batsman</a>

Kohli and Australian players have been involved in intense sledging and Test captain Tim Paine has admitted that Australia and its players 'love to hate' Kohli as competitors but at the same time, as fans, love to watch him bat.

"I get asked a log of questions about Virat Kohli, he’s just another player to me it doesn’t really bother me. There’s not really a relationship there with him to be fair, I see him at the toss and play against him and that’s about it," Paine told ABC Sport.

"With Virat, it is a funny one, we love to hate him but we also love to watch him bat as cricket fans. He certainly is polarising in that type of scenario. We love watching him bat, but we don’t like seeing him score too many runs.

"Australia and India, it’s a heated competition and he’s obviously a competitive person and so am I, so year there were a few occasions when we had words but that wasn’t because he was the captain and I was the captain, it could have been anyone."

Virat Kohli smashed his maiden Test century against Australia in Adelaide way back in 2012. In Tour of 2014, India lost to Australia by 2-0 but Kohli smashed 692 runs from four matches, including four hundred – twin centuries in the first Test in Adelaide.

"There is always a bit more tension when a player is as good as he is, it’s the same when you play against England, its Joe Root or a Ben Stokes. It’s often the best player is the one that your team goes up a little bit, the intensity goes up when the best players in the world come out to the crease," Paine added.

"I’m looking forward to everything to be honest, it’s a huge series. They beat us here last time obviously with a different team, and as I said the rivalry between the two countries building all the time so, I think any time you get to test yourself against the best is something that you look forward to as players and as a team, and we certainly are."

Indian skipper Virat Kohli's has had a bitter-sweet relationship with Australia. Virat has played some big knocks against the Aussies. However, this year's tour might not be as intense as previous years as Kohli will leave for India after the first Test.

Indian skipper Virat Kohli's has had a bitter-sweet relationship with Australia. Virat has played some big knocks against the Aussies. However, this year's tour might not be as intense as previous years as Kohli will leave for India after the first Test. Also read: 'Best player I’ve ever seen': Coach Justin Langer praises Indian batsman Kohli and Australian players have been involved in intense sledging and Test captain Tim Paine has admitted that Australia and its players 'love to hate' Kohli as competitors but at the same time, as fans, love to watch him bat. "I get asked a log of questions about Virat Kohli, he’s just another player to me it doesn’t really bother me. There’s not really a relationship there with him to be fair, I see him at the toss and play against him and that’s about it," Paine told ABC Sport. "With Virat, it is a funny one, we love to hate him but we also love to watch him bat as cricket fans. He certainly is polarising in that type of scenario. We love watching him bat, but we don’t like seeing him score too many runs. "Australia and India, it’s a heated competition and he’s obviously a competitive person and so am I, so year there were a few occasions when we had words but that wasn’t because he was the captain and I was the captain, it could have been anyone." Virat Kohli smashed his maiden Test century against Australia in Adelaide way back in 2012. In Tour of 2014, India lost to Australia by 2-0 but Kohli smashed 692 runs from four matches, including four hundred – twin centuries in the first Test in Adelaide. "There is always a bit more tension when a player is as good as he is, it’s the same when you play against England, its Joe Root or a Ben Stokes. It’s often the best player is the one that your team goes up a little bit, the intensity goes up when the best players in the world come out to the crease," Paine added. "I’m looking forward to everything to be honest, it’s a huge series. They beat us here last time obviously with a different team, and as I said the rivalry between the two countries building all the time so, I think any time you get to test yourself against the best is something that you look forward to as players and as a team, and we certainly are."

'We love to hate him but we also love to..': Australia's Tim Paine on Virat Kohli

Australia's cricketers must forge a leaner, tighter Test team to cope with the coronavirus-related job losses forced on the sport, captain Tim Paine said Tuesday.

Paine played down reports of tensions between the players and Cricket Australia but said the game's elite had to come to terms with cutbacks related to the pandemic.

That included losing long-time batting assistant Graeme Hick and other backroom staff when CA axed 40 jobs last week in a bid to save Aus$40 million (US$27.6 million).

With a blockbuster Test series against India set to go ahead during the home summer, Paine said the Australians needed to react fast if they are to reinforce their world number one status.

"Things are going to change, players and teams are going to have to adapt," he told reporters during a video press conference.

"We're seeing an opportunity for the team that can adapt first to these changes is going to get off to a good start in the next Test series and that's really important to us.

"We've certainly lost some good people throughout this period but the flip side of that is that it's a great opportunity to adapt quicker than anyone else, to help each other improve."

He said that involved players "doing that little bit extra" and pulling together.

"Players are going to have to be aligned with each other and find ways to get things done without the huge numbers of support staff that we've been lucky to have over the last number of years," he said.

Paine also had warm words for former Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts, who was shown the door last week amid widespread dissatisfaction over his handling of the coronavirus crisis.

"The support he gave me behind the scenes was brilliant," Paine said, adding that he had full confidence in the Cricket Australia board.

While eagerly anticipating the India series, Paine was also hopeful a one-off Test with minnows Afghanistan would still go ahead.

"Everyone's thoroughly looking forward to the challenge that India's going to bring," he said.

"Certainly Afghanistan will bring a different sort of challenge as well with their mystery spin, so fingers crossed for that."

Australia's cricketers must forge a leaner, tighter Test team to cope with the coronavirus-related job losses forced on the sport, captain Tim Paine said Tuesday.

Australia's cricketers must forge a leaner, tighter Test team to cope with the coronavirus-related job losses forced on the sport, captain Tim Paine said Tuesday. Paine played down reports of tensions between the players and Cricket Australia but said the game's elite had to come to terms with cutbacks related to the pandemic. That included losing long-time batting assistant Graeme Hick and other backroom staff when CA axed 40 jobs last week in a bid to save Aus$40 million (US$27.6 million). With a blockbuster Test series against India set to go ahead during the home summer, Paine said the Australians needed to react fast if they are to reinforce their world number one status. "Things are going to change, players and teams are going to have to adapt," he told reporters during a video press conference. "We're seeing an opportunity for the team that can adapt first to these changes is going to get off to a good start in the next Test series and that's really important to us. "We've certainly lost some good people throughout this period but the flip side of that is that it's a great opportunity to adapt quicker than anyone else, to help each other improve." He said that involved players "doing that little bit extra" and pulling together. "Players are going to have to be aligned with each other and find ways to get things done without the huge numbers of support staff that we've been lucky to have over the last number of years," he said. Paine also had warm words for former Cricket Australia chief executive Kevin Roberts, who was shown the door last week amid widespread dissatisfaction over his handling of the coronavirus crisis. "The support he gave me behind the scenes was brilliant," Paine said, adding that he had full confidence in the Cricket Australia board. While eagerly anticipating the India series, Paine was also hopeful a one-off Test with minnows Afghanistan would still go ahead. "Everyone's thoroughly looking forward to the challenge that India's going to bring," he said. "Certainly Afghanistan will bring a different sort of challenge as well with their mystery spin, so fingers crossed for that."

Paine says Australia cricketers must adapt quickly after cutbacks

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2019-marnus-labuschagne-stars-as-australia-draw-second-test-244005">Marnus Labuschagne</a> hit a double century as Australia amassed a huge 454 first innings against a weary New Zealand in the third <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-labuschagne-leads-as-australia-take-charge-in-sydney-271812">Sydney Test</a> on Saturday.

Labuschagne reached his highest Test score of 215 as the Australians were dismissed just before tea on the second day.&nbsp;

The rock-solid number three sweated on 199 for 20 minutes before he thick edged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/slvnz-watling-colin-de-grandhomme-put-new-zealand-ahead-in-second-test-245565">Colin de Grandhomme</a> through the vacant slips to the ropes to bring up his double ton.

The milestone came off 363 balls with 19 fours and a six and eclipsed his previous Test record of 185 against Pakistan in Brisbane last November.

Labuschagne was Test cricket's leading run-getter last year with 1,104 runs and is carrying on where he left off in 2019.

The Kiwis finally got him out when Labuschagne was caught and bowled by leg-spinner Todd Astle.

Skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tim-paine-takes-a-dig-at-virat-kohli-who-are-slated-to-play-test-series-next-year-264214">Tim Paine</a> provided support for Labuschagne to reach his double century before he was bowled between his bat and pad by de Grandhomme for 35.

Paine faced 92 balls and shared in a 79-run stand with Labuschagne to take Australia beyond 400.

Wickets fell quickly just before tea with James Pattinson bowled by Neil Wagner for two, Pat Cummins caught off Astle's bowling for eight and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ricky-ponting-says-mitchell-starc-needs-to-do-something-special-to-play-first-test-against-pak-262553">Mitchell Starc</a> hitting a breezy 22 off 21 balls before he was bowled by Wagner, who finished with three for 66.

The hosts lost two wickets on the second morning of the Test.

Matthew Wade was out in the day's first over, bowled off-stump while attempting to sweep off-spinner, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-nz-spinner-somerville-replaces-injured-boult-in-sydney-test-270920">Will Somerville</a>, for no addition to his overnight score of 22.

Melbourne Test centurion Travis Head fell to Matt Henry, cutting too close to his body and snicking to wicketkeeper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/galle-test-bj-watling-puts-new-zealand-in-strong-position-243481">BJ Watling</a>.

The Kiwi bowlers had strangled his scoring shots and his 10 runs came off 42 balls.

Henry was bowling despite fracturing his left thumb on Friday. He had the injury strapped and placed in a splint to continue on playing.

The Sydney Test is being played against the backdrop of one of Australia's most devastating bushfire seasons with at least 20 people losing their lives in blazes raging across the country, including on the outskirts of Sydney.

Play will be suspended in the match at the umpire's discretion, should smoke significantly affect air quality or visibility, but the sky above the ground has remained clear so far.&nbsp;

Marnus Labuschagne hit a double century as Australia amassed a huge 454 first innings against a weary New Zealand in the third Sydney Test on Saturday. Labuschagne reached his highest Test score of 215 as the Australians were dismissed just before tea on the second day.

Marnus Labuschagne hit a double century as Australia amassed a huge 454 first innings against a weary New Zealand in the third Sydney Test on Saturday. Labuschagne reached his highest Test score of 215 as the Australians were dismissed just before tea on the second day. The rock-solid number three sweated on 199 for 20 minutes before he thick edged Colin de Grandhomme through the vacant slips to the ropes to bring up his double ton. The milestone came off 363 balls with 19 fours and a six and eclipsed his previous Test record of 185 against Pakistan in Brisbane last November. Labuschagne was Test cricket's leading run-getter last year with 1,104 runs and is carrying on where he left off in 2019. The Kiwis finally got him out when Labuschagne was caught and bowled by leg-spinner Todd Astle. Skipper Tim Paine provided support for Labuschagne to reach his double century before he was bowled between his bat and pad by de Grandhomme for 35. Paine faced 92 balls and shared in a 79-run stand with Labuschagne to take Australia beyond 400. Wickets fell quickly just before tea with James Pattinson bowled by Neil Wagner for two, Pat Cummins caught off Astle's bowling for eight and Mitchell Starc hitting a breezy 22 off 21 balls before he was bowled by Wagner, who finished with three for 66. The hosts lost two wickets on the second morning of the Test. Matthew Wade was out in the day's first over, bowled off-stump while attempting to sweep off-spinner, Will Somerville, for no addition to his overnight score of 22. Melbourne Test centurion Travis Head fell to Matt Henry, cutting too close to his body and snicking to wicketkeeper BJ Watling. The Kiwi bowlers had strangled his scoring shots and his 10 runs came off 42 balls. Henry was bowling despite fracturing his left thumb on Friday. He had the injury strapped and placed in a splint to continue on playing. The Sydney Test is being played against the backdrop of one of Australia's most devastating bushfire seasons with at least 20 people losing their lives in blazes raging across the country, including on the outskirts of Sydney. Play will be suspended in the match at the umpire's discretion, should smoke significantly affect air quality or visibility, but the sky above the ground has remained clear so far.

Aus vs NZ: Marnus Labuschagne hits double ton in Australia's 454

New Zealand collapsed under an unrelenting Australian pace barrage led by Pat Cummins on Saturday, all out for 148 and in danger of a big defeat in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-smith-strikes-a-blow-against-new-zealand-on-boxing-day-270526">second Test in Melbourne</a>.

The visitors began the day in trouble on 44 for two in reply to Australia's 467, having lost batting kingpin Kane Williamson and makeshift opener Tom Blundell in a fiery bowling spell late Friday.

They didn't last long with world-class bowling from Cummins, James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc destroying the middle order.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/de-grandhomme-removes-labuschagne-as-australia-move-to-155-3-at-tea-270279">Australia</a> could have enforced the follow-on but opted to bat again and rubbed salt in the wounds by going to tea at 28 without loss. David Warner was not out 16 and Joe Burns on four, leaving them 347 runs ahead on day three.

Opener Tom Latham offered the only resistance for New Zealand, surviving 144 balls in a dogged 50 before he too succumbed to the Australian fast-bowling machine.

The world's number one bowler Cummins was the chief destroyer, ending with 5-28.

New Zealand needs&nbsp;a result at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to keep the three-Test series alive after being crushed by 296 runs in the opening day-night clash in Perth.

They resumed with Latham on nine with Ross Taylor on two, but had a disastrous morning and went to lunch at 102 for six before Australia finished the job.

The experienced Taylor was removed in just the third over and Henry Nicholls followed for a golden duck as they crumbled under consistent pace and accuracy.

Cummins was virtually unplayable, with Taylor getting an edge to a searing delivery on four. Marnus Labuschagne juggled the slip catch and Joe Burns grabbed the ball.

A stunned Nicholls was then out lbw after unsuccessfully reviewing the decision before BJ Watling nervously managed to defend Cummins' hat-trick ball.

At the other end Pattinson, playing for the injured Josh Hazlewood, was equally menacing and Latham should have gone the next over, but a diving Steve Smith put down a slip catch he would normally hold.

Pattinson soon got his reward with a rising ball catching Watling's glove and Burns taking an easy catch to leave them at 58 for five.

New Zealand staged a mini recovery before Starc got in on the action, having Colin de Grandhomme caught in the gully by David Warner for 11.

Mitchell Santner was lucky to survive a review decision before scoring after he was caught off a Starc bouncer.

Australia were convinced he was out and replays showed it skimmed off the wristband of his glove, but third umpire Aleem Dar deemed it inconclusive and Santner remained.

Latham brought up his 16th Test half-century before he got a thick edge to wicketkeeper Tim Paine off Cummins, and once he was gone Australia wrapped up the tail.

A Head century and 79 from Paine took the game away from New Zealand on Friday with former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum slamming his team's tactics, claiming they "rolled over".

New Zealand collapsed under an unrelenting Australian pace barrage led by Pat Cummins on Saturday, all out for 148 and in danger of a big defeat in the second Test in Melbourne.

New Zealand collapsed under an unrelenting Australian pace barrage led by Pat Cummins on Saturday, all out for 148 and in danger of a big defeat in the second Test in Melbourne. The visitors began the day in trouble on 44 for two in reply to Australia's 467, having lost batting kingpin Kane Williamson and makeshift opener Tom Blundell in a fiery bowling spell late Friday. They didn't last long with world-class bowling from Cummins, James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc destroying the middle order. Australia could have enforced the follow-on but opted to bat again and rubbed salt in the wounds by going to tea at 28 without loss. David Warner was not out 16 and Joe Burns on four, leaving them 347 runs ahead on day three. Opener Tom Latham offered the only resistance for New Zealand, surviving 144 balls in a dogged 50 before he too succumbed to the Australian fast-bowling machine. The world's number one bowler Cummins was the chief destroyer, ending with 5-28. New Zealand needs a result at the Melbourne Cricket Ground to keep the three-Test series alive after being crushed by 296 runs in the opening day-night clash in Perth. They resumed with Latham on nine with Ross Taylor on two, but had a disastrous morning and went to lunch at 102 for six before Australia finished the job. The experienced Taylor was removed in just the third over and Henry Nicholls followed for a golden duck as they crumbled under consistent pace and accuracy. Cummins was virtually unplayable, with Taylor getting an edge to a searing delivery on four. Marnus Labuschagne juggled the slip catch and Joe Burns grabbed the ball. A stunned Nicholls was then out lbw after unsuccessfully reviewing the decision before BJ Watling nervously managed to defend Cummins' hat-trick ball. At the other end Pattinson, playing for the injured Josh Hazlewood, was equally menacing and Latham should have gone the next over, but a diving Steve Smith put down a slip catch he would normally hold. Pattinson soon got his reward with a rising ball catching Watling's glove and Burns taking an easy catch to leave them at 58 for five. New Zealand staged a mini recovery before Starc got in on the action, having Colin de Grandhomme caught in the gully by David Warner for 11. Mitchell Santner was lucky to survive a review decision before scoring after he was caught off a Starc bouncer. Australia were convinced he was out and replays showed it skimmed off the wristband of his glove, but third umpire Aleem Dar deemed it inconclusive and Santner remained. Latham brought up his 16th Test half-century before he got a thick edge to wicketkeeper Tim Paine off Cummins, and once he was gone Australia wrapped up the tail. A Head century and 79 from Paine took the game away from New Zealand on Friday with former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum slamming his team's tactics, claiming they "rolled over".

Cricket: New Zealand collapse to 148 all out under Australian pace barrage

Australia named an unchanged squad in the first Test against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/new-zealand-draw-second-test-with-england-win-series-265850">New Zealand</a> in the day/night encounter to take place at Perth.

The Kiwis have had just three days to acclimatise to the hot conditions at Perth as they begin their quest for a first Test series win in Australia since 1985-86.

They come into the series as the number two ranked side in Test cricket and fresh off a series win against England.

Australia, on the other hand, has been rampant in Test cricket since losing to India last year. They regained the Ashes in the summer and followed it up with a brutal 2-0 thrashing of Pakistan last month.

"We've been playing some really good cricket, happy with the way it's going so we're trying to get a consistent team together," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tim-paine-takes-a-dig-at-virat-kohli-who-are-slated-to-play-test-series-next-year-264214">skipper Paine said</a>.

"And as I touched on after Adelaide (second Test against Pakistan), the great thing is we've got guys that are performing really well."

"That's what we wanted so we're going to go with the same team," the Australian captain said.

History is on the side of Paine's team as Australia have never lost at the new Perth stadium and have won all six day-night Tests they have played since 2015.

"We're a professional team. Our preparation and recovery is a little bit more important," Paine said.

Australia named an unchanged squad in the first Test against New Zealand in the day/night encounter to take place at Perth. The Kiwis have had just three days to acclimatise to the hot conditions at Perth as they begin their quest for a first Test series win in Australia since 1985-86.

Australia named an unchanged squad in the first Test against New Zealand in the day/night encounter to take place at Perth. The Kiwis have had just three days to acclimatise to the hot conditions at Perth as they begin their quest for a first Test series win in Australia since 1985-86. They come into the series as the number two ranked side in Test cricket and fresh off a series win against England. Australia, on the other hand, has been rampant in Test cricket since losing to India last year. They regained the Ashes in the summer and followed it up with a brutal 2-0 thrashing of Pakistan last month. "We've been playing some really good cricket, happy with the way it's going so we're trying to get a consistent team together," skipper Paine said. "And as I touched on after Adelaide (second Test against Pakistan), the great thing is we've got guys that are performing really well." "That's what we wanted so we're going to go with the same team," the Australian captain said. History is on the side of Paine's team as Australia have never lost at the new Perth stadium and have won all six day-night Tests they have played since 2015. "We're a professional team. Our preparation and recovery is a little bit more important," Paine said.

Australia name unchanged squad for first day/night Test against New Zealand

Congress lawmaker Shashi Tharoor on Sunday gave his take on how cricket teams should go for breaking records if the opportunity presents itself. His remarks came after Australia's batsman <a href="David Warner hits magical triple century as Australia put up mammoth score against Pakistan">David Warner </a>was not able to break Brian Lara's record of highest individual Test score.

Warner had played an unbeaten knock of 335 runs against Pakistan in the ongoing day-night Test at Adelaide and was on course to break Lara's individual score of 400. It was then that Australia's skipper Tim Paine decided to declare the innings.

Tharoor posted two tweets to give his take on the decision to declare by Tim Paine."This summer, David Warner made 95 runs in 10 innings in the Ashes series against England. Against Pak, he scored 150+ in the 1st Test last week &amp; followed it up with 335 not out yesterday in the 2nd. An unnecessary premature declaration cost him a shot at the world record. Pity," Tharoor said in a tweet.

In another tweet, the Congress leader said: "Part of the pleasure of cricket is its records. Figures &amp; statistics continue to enthral the true aficionado. Cricket teams should go for records when they can. With the 1st Test in the bag &amp; victory likely against a weak Pak side (which was soon reduced to 89 for 6), why declare?"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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This summer, <a href="https://twitter.com/davidwarner31?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@davidwarner31</a> made 95 runs in 10 innings in the Ashes series against England. Against Pak, he scored 150+ in the 1st Test last week &amp; followed it up with 335 not out yesterday in the 2nd. An unnecessary premature declaration cost him a shot at the world record. Pity
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShashiTharoor/status/1200996362268995585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Warner was able to score just 95 runs in the Ashes this year, but ever since then, he has been in remarkable form. The left-handed batsman played a knock of 154 in the first Test and he followed it up with a score of 335 not out.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Part of the pleasure of cricket is its records. Figures &amp;statistics continue to enthral the true aficionado. Cricket teams should go for records when they can. With the 1st Test in the bag &amp; victory likely against a weak Pak side (which was soon reduced to 89 for 6), why declare?
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShashiTharoor/status/1200996962209689602?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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In the ongoing Test, Warner broke several records. He surpassed Mark Taylor and Don Bradman to record the second-highest individual score for Australia in Tests. Warner also went past Bradman to record the highest-ever individual score at the Adelaide Oval. He is now the only Australian to have scored two 250+ plus scores in Tests.&nbsp;

Congress lawmaker Shashi Tharoor on Sunday gave his take on how cricket teams should go for breaking records if the opportunity presents itself. His remarks came after Australia's batsman David Warner was not able to break Brian Lara's record of highest individual Test score.

Congress lawmaker Shashi Tharoor on Sunday gave his take on how cricket teams should go for breaking records if the opportunity presents itself. His remarks came after Australia's batsman David Warner was not able to break Brian Lara's record of highest individual Test score. Warner had played an unbeaten knock of 335 runs against Pakistan in the ongoing day-night Test at Adelaide and was on course to break Lara's individual score of 400. It was then that Australia's skipper Tim Paine decided to declare the innings. Tharoor posted two tweets to give his take on the decision to declare by Tim Paine."This summer, David Warner made 95 runs in 10 innings in the Ashes series against England. Against Pak, he scored 150+ in the 1st Test last week & followed it up with 335 not out yesterday in the 2nd. An unnecessary premature declaration cost him a shot at the world record. Pity," Tharoor said in a tweet. In another tweet, the Congress leader said: "Part of the pleasure of cricket is its records. Figures & statistics continue to enthral the true aficionado. Cricket teams should go for records when they can. With the 1st Test in the bag & victory likely against a weak Pak side (which was soon reduced to 89 for 6), why declare?" This summer, @davidwarner31 made 95 runs in 10 innings in the Ashes series against England. Against Pak, he scored 150+ in the 1st Test last week & followed it up with 335 not out yesterday in the 2nd. An unnecessary premature declaration cost him a shot at the world record. Pity — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 1, 2019 × Warner was able to score just 95 runs in the Ashes this year, but ever since then, he has been in remarkable form. The left-handed batsman played a knock of 154 in the first Test and he followed it up with a score of 335 not out. Part of the pleasure of cricket is its records. Figures &statistics continue to enthral the true aficionado. Cricket teams should go for records when they can. With the 1st Test in the bag & victory likely against a weak Pak side (which was soon reduced to 89 for 6), why declare? — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 1, 2019 × In the ongoing Test, Warner broke several records. He surpassed Mark Taylor and Don Bradman to record the second-highest individual score for Australia in Tests. Warner also went past Bradman to record the highest-ever individual score at the Adelaide Oval. He is now the only Australian to have scored two 250+ plus scores in Tests.

Shashi Tharoor slams Australia decision to declare innings as David Warner misses chance to break world record

By Mallika Singh

After India emphatically beat Bangladesh by an innings and 46 runs on the third day of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-bangladesh-umesh-yadav-takes-five-as-winning-run-for-kohli-co-continues-264194">'pink-ball' Test</a> on Sunday in Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, Australian captain&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tim-paine-takes-a-dig-at-virat-kohli-who-are-slated-to-play-test-series-next-year-264214">Tim Paine took a dig</a> at Virat Kohli&nbsp;saying that Indian captain's "mood" will decide whether the two teams will play the day/night Test&nbsp;in Australia next year.

India has consolidated its position at the top of ICC World Test Championship with 360 points&nbsp;without losing a point in the nine-team Championship. India secured a 2-0 win against West Indies, 3-0 against South Africa and now 2-0 against Bangladesh.

Kohli's team is followed by Australia who are at 116 points after winning their first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brisbane-test-australia-beat-pakistan-by-an-innings-and-5-runs-264221">Test against Pakistan</a> in the ongoing home series after defeating Pakistan by an innings and 5 runs.

“We'll ask Virat and see if we can get his permission to play here and maybe even a pink-ball Test if he is in a good mood. So we'll wait and see,” Paine said in a post-match press conference to reporters.

India and Australia are set to play a Test series Down Under&nbsp;next year.

India had last year turned down the offer to play a day/night Test against Australia in Adelaide. On India’s decision not to play the match, captain Virat Kohli had said that the team wanted to play with the pink ball in home conditions first.

A total of 12 day-night Tests have been played so far with Australia leading the charts winning all 5 Tests. Australia had won the first-ever day/night against New Zealand at Adelaide by 3 wickets in 2015.

Kohli in the post-match conference on Sunday expressed openness about playing a '<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/daynight-test-virat-kohli-registers-27th-test-century-264062">pink ball' Test </a>away from home.

“Just because we know our conditions and our bowlers are bowling so well, you do not really feel that challenge. Maybe when we play away from home, we will figure out what could be even more difficult playing with the pink ball," Kohli told reporters.

"But I think a good practice game before that and enough time to prepare, we are open to doing anything. You cannot just play on short notice. If we get enough time to prepare, we are willing to do anything that is required to take up Test cricket in any manner," he added.

By Mallika Singh After India emphatically beat Bangladesh by an innings and 46 runs on the third day of the 'pink-ball' Test on Sunday in Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, Australian captain Tim Paine took a dig at Virat Kohli saying that Indian captain's "mood" will decide whether the two teams will play the day/night Test in Australia next year.

By Mallika Singh After India emphatically beat Bangladesh by an innings and 46 runs on the third day of the 'pink-ball' Test on Sunday in Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, Australian captain Tim Paine took a dig at Virat Kohli saying that Indian captain's "mood" will decide whether the two teams will play the day/night Test in Australia next year. India has consolidated its position at the top of ICC World Test Championship with 360 points without losing a point in the nine-team Championship. India secured a 2-0 win against West Indies, 3-0 against South Africa and now 2-0 against Bangladesh. Kohli's team is followed by Australia who are at 116 points after winning their first Test against Pakistan in the ongoing home series after defeating Pakistan by an innings and 5 runs. “We'll ask Virat and see if we can get his permission to play here and maybe even a pink-ball Test if he is in a good mood. So we'll wait and see,” Paine said in a post-match press conference to reporters. India and Australia are set to play a Test series Down Under next year. India had last year turned down the offer to play a day/night Test against Australia in Adelaide. On India’s decision not to play the match, captain Virat Kohli had said that the team wanted to play with the pink ball in home conditions first. A total of 12 day-night Tests have been played so far with Australia leading the charts winning all 5 Tests. Australia had won the first-ever day/night against New Zealand at Adelaide by 3 wickets in 2015. Kohli in the post-match conference on Sunday expressed openness about playing a 'pink ball' Test away from home. “Just because we know our conditions and our bowlers are bowling so well, you do not really feel that challenge. Maybe when we play away from home, we will figure out what could be even more difficult playing with the pink ball," Kohli told reporters. "But I think a good practice game before that and enough time to prepare, we are open to doing anything. You cannot just play on short notice. If we get enough time to prepare, we are willing to do anything that is required to take up Test cricket in any manner," he added.

Will ask Virat if he is in a good mood: Paine on playing 'pink ball' Test against India

Australia and India are slated to play a Test series next year, but the build-up has already started. Skipper<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../cricket-australia-storm-back-as-pakistan-wickets -clatter-263573"> Tim Paine</a> on Sunday took a dig at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../india-vs-bangladesh-umesh-yadav-takes-five-as -winning-run-for-kohli-co-continues-264194">Virat Kohli</a>, saying the mood of the Indian skipper will decide whether both teams play a pink-ball Test or not.

When a journalist asked Paine whether both the sides will play the day-night Test in Australia next year, he replied: "We will certainly try and we will have to run that by Virat. We will get an answer from him at some stage I am sure".

Official Twitter handle of cricket.com.au posted a video of Paine answering the questions at a press conference and captioned the post as: "Tim Paine gives Virat Kohli a little clip in the post-game presser".

The Aussie captain is keen to play against India in Brisbane next summer!

When India and Australia last squared off in Australia in 2018, India had refused to play the day-night Test and the side did not also play the first match of the series at Gabba, Brisbane.

As fate had it, the first match was played at Adelaide and India ended up winning the match, which proved crucial in their series win Down Under.

When asked whether Australia would like to play the first Test at Brisbane next year, Paine replied: "That's where we like to start our summer and it has been. As I said, we'll ask Virat and see if we can get his permission to play here and maybe even a pink-ball Test if he is in a good mood. So we'll wait and see".

Australia defeated Pakistan by an innings and 5 runs in the first Test at the Gabba on Sunday to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

On the other hand, India also ended up winning their first-ever day-night Test as they defeated Bangladesh by an innings and 46 runs.

Australia and India are slated to play a Test series next year, but the build-up has already started. Skipper Tim Paine on Sunday took a dig at Virat Kohli, saying the mood of the Indian skipper will decide whether both teams play a pink-ball Test or not.

Australia and India are slated to play a Test series next year, but the build-up has already started. Skipper Tim Paine on Sunday took a dig at Virat Kohli, saying the mood of the Indian skipper will decide whether both teams play a pink-ball Test or not. When a journalist asked Paine whether both the sides will play the day-night Test in Australia next year, he replied: "We will certainly try and we will have to run that by Virat. We will get an answer from him at some stage I am sure". Official Twitter handle of cricket.com.au posted a video of Paine answering the questions at a press conference and captioned the post as: "Tim Paine gives Virat Kohli a little clip in the post-game presser". The Aussie captain is keen to play against India in Brisbane next summer! When India and Australia last squared off in Australia in 2018, India had refused to play the day-night Test and the side did not also play the first match of the series at Gabba, Brisbane. As fate had it, the first match was played at Adelaide and India ended up winning the match, which proved crucial in their series win Down Under. When asked whether Australia would like to play the first Test at Brisbane next year, Paine replied: "That's where we like to start our summer and it has been. As I said, we'll ask Virat and see if we can get his permission to play here and maybe even a pink-ball Test if he is in a good mood. So we'll wait and see". Australia defeated Pakistan by an innings and 5 runs in the first Test at the Gabba on Sunday to take a 1-0 lead in the series. On the other hand, India also ended up winning their first-ever day-night Test as they defeated Bangladesh by an innings and 46 runs.

Tim Paine takes a dig at Virat Kohli over pink-ball Test in Australia-India series

&nbsp;Australia's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../cricket-khawaja-harris-dumped-from-australia- test-squad-261975">Tim Paine</a> has said the upcoming test series against Pakistan and New Zealand may be the last time he captains the side at home as he enters the twilight of his career.

Paine, who turns 35 next month, was named captain after former skipper Steve Smith was handed a one-year ban in March 2018 for ball-tampering and the wicketkeeper became the first Australian captain after Steve Waugh to retain the Ashes.

Smith's explosive return to the test side, where he scored 774 runs in the Ashes, triggered calls to restore him as captain and Paine said talk about who eventually takes over was bound to happen, especially considering his age.

"It might be (my last summer), I'm not too sure," Paine told reporters. "But... I'm enjoying doing it. I feel good physically (and) mentally. So while that continues, I'm scoring enough runs and keeping well enough then I'd like to continue.

"I know when you get to my age that can change really quickly. I'm really looking forward to this summer, beyond that I haven't looked too far. I know what I want to do and what I want to achieve.

"I think when you're the Australian captain and the Australian keeper, they're two of the most critiqued roles in Australian sport and at the moment I have to hold them both. I know I'm going to be in the crosshairs for people all the time."

Paine said Australia's top priority now was to return to the top of the test rankings and win the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../india-vs-bangladesh-1st-test-india-beat- bangladesh-by-innings-and-130-runs-262574"> World Test Championship</a> (WTC). Australia are ranked fifth in the world and trail leaders India by 244 points in the WTC standings.

"Our goal is to get back to that number one ranking and we want to win that Test Championship," he added. "To do that we're going to have to be good enough to win in India and we're going to have to be good enough to beat everyone, everywhere.

"It's the only way we're going to get to where we want to get to. It's an exciting period and I'm looking forward to being part of the start of that and there is no endpoint at the moment."

Australia play Pakistan in the first of two tests that begins on Thursday in Brisbane.

Australia's Tim Paine has said the upcoming test series against Pakistan and New Zealand may be the last time he captains the side at home as he enters the twilight of his career.

Australia's Tim Paine has said the upcoming test series against Pakistan and New Zealand may be the last time he captains the side at home as he enters the twilight of his career. Paine, who turns 35 next month, was named captain after former skipper Steve Smith was handed a one-year ban in March 2018 for ball-tampering and the wicketkeeper became the first Australian captain after Steve Waugh to retain the Ashes. Smith's explosive return to the test side, where he scored 774 runs in the Ashes, triggered calls to restore him as captain and Paine said talk about who eventually takes over was bound to happen, especially considering his age. "It might be (my last summer), I'm not too sure," Paine told reporters. "But... I'm enjoying doing it. I feel good physically (and) mentally. So while that continues, I'm scoring enough runs and keeping well enough then I'd like to continue. "I know when you get to my age that can change really quickly. I'm really looking forward to this summer, beyond that I haven't looked too far. I know what I want to do and what I want to achieve. "I think when you're the Australian captain and the Australian keeper, they're two of the most critiqued roles in Australian sport and at the moment I have to hold them both. I know I'm going to be in the crosshairs for people all the time." Paine said Australia's top priority now was to return to the top of the test rankings and win the World Test Championship (WTC). Australia are ranked fifth in the world and trail leaders India by 244 points in the WTC standings. "Our goal is to get back to that number one ranking and we want to win that Test Championship," he added. "To do that we're going to have to be good enough to win in India and we're going to have to be good enough to beat everyone, everywhere. "It's the only way we're going to get to where we want to get to. It's an exciting period and I'm looking forward to being part of the start of that and there is no endpoint at the moment." Australia play Pakistan in the first of two tests that begins on Thursday in Brisbane.

Tim Paine's home summer maybe his last

After retaining the Ashes, Australia skipper Tim Paine said that the team can be extremely proud of what they have achieved on the English soil.

His remarks came after the loss in the fifth and final Test by 135 runs against England. Despite the loss, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-win-fifth-test-to-square-ashes-series-249870">Australia retained the Ashes</a> as the series ended in a 2-2 draw.

The side retained the Ashes as they had previously won the series during the 2017/18 season. Paine has become the first Aussie captain since 2001 to have retained the urn in England.

"Steve had a great series and won a couple of Tests by himself, but we have got a couple of parts that we need to improve. As a whole series, we had a heap of good moments in a country where Australia hasn't had a lot of success for a long time. We can be proud of that," International Cricket Council (ICC) quoted Paine as saying.

"Taking the urn home was what we came here to do. We are thrilled by that. This game puts a bit of a dampener on it, but, overall, if you said we would be taking them (the Ashes) home, we would have jumped at that," he added.

Paine said that if the team continues to put up inspiring performances then the side can become very hard to team to beat."I still have a bit to give, but we are always trying to develop more leaders in our group and there is unfinished business - it's about getting better. If we can click them into gear when he (Smith) is at the height of his powers, and with the pace attack we have got, in the next few years we are going to be a hard team to beat," Paine said.

With England winning the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Oval, the series ended at a 2-2 scoreline, the first time in 47 years that the Men's Ashes has ended in a draw.

The last series which ended as a draw between England and Australia was in 1972. The series was hosted by England.

After being set a target of 399, Australia was bundled out for 263 runs in the final innings. Matthew Wade was the top-scorer for Aussies as he played a knock of 117 runs whereas Stuart Broad scalped four wickets for England.

Archer was given the Man of the Match award for scalping six wickets in the first innings of the match.

Aussie batter Steve Smith was given Australia's Man of the Series award whereas Ben Stokes was handed England`s Man of the Series award.

Smith had an exceptional series with the bat as he scored 774 runs, scoring the most number of runs in a series this century.

On the other hand, Ben Stokes displayed an all-round performance, scoring 440 runs with the bat and taking eight wickets with the ball.

The first Test of the series was won by Australia by 251 runs at Birmingham.

The second match at Lord's finished as a draw and Stokes's heroics in the third Test at Headingley helped England level the series at 1-1.

However, Australia came back strongly in the fourth Test as they won the match by 185 runs to retain the Ashes.

The team from Down Under will next face Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series.

After retaining the Ashes, Australia skipper Tim Paine said that the team can be extremely proud of what they have achieved on the English soil. His remarks came after the loss in the fifth and final Test by 135 runs against England.

After retaining the Ashes, Australia skipper Tim Paine said that the team can be extremely proud of what they have achieved on the English soil. His remarks came after the loss in the fifth and final Test by 135 runs against England. Despite the loss, Australia retained the Ashes as the series ended in a 2-2 draw. The side retained the Ashes as they had previously won the series during the 2017/18 season. Paine has become the first Aussie captain since 2001 to have retained the urn in England. "Steve had a great series and won a couple of Tests by himself, but we have got a couple of parts that we need to improve. As a whole series, we had a heap of good moments in a country where Australia hasn't had a lot of success for a long time. We can be proud of that," International Cricket Council (ICC) quoted Paine as saying. "Taking the urn home was what we came here to do. We are thrilled by that. This game puts a bit of a dampener on it, but, overall, if you said we would be taking them (the Ashes) home, we would have jumped at that," he added. Paine said that if the team continues to put up inspiring performances then the side can become very hard to team to beat."I still have a bit to give, but we are always trying to develop more leaders in our group and there is unfinished business - it's about getting better. If we can click them into gear when he (Smith) is at the height of his powers, and with the pace attack we have got, in the next few years we are going to be a hard team to beat," Paine said. With England winning the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Oval, the series ended at a 2-2 scoreline, the first time in 47 years that the Men's Ashes has ended in a draw. The last series which ended as a draw between England and Australia was in 1972. The series was hosted by England. After being set a target of 399, Australia was bundled out for 263 runs in the final innings. Matthew Wade was the top-scorer for Aussies as he played a knock of 117 runs whereas Stuart Broad scalped four wickets for England. Archer was given the Man of the Match award for scalping six wickets in the first innings of the match. Aussie batter Steve Smith was given Australia's Man of the Series award whereas Ben Stokes was handed England`s Man of the Series award. Smith had an exceptional series with the bat as he scored 774 runs, scoring the most number of runs in a series this century. On the other hand, Ben Stokes displayed an all-round performance, scoring 440 runs with the bat and taking eight wickets with the ball. The first Test of the series was won by Australia by 251 runs at Birmingham. The second match at Lord's finished as a draw and Stokes's heroics in the third Test at Headingley helped England level the series at 1-1. However, Australia came back strongly in the fourth Test as they won the match by 185 runs to retain the Ashes. The team from Down Under will next face Sri Lanka in a three-match T20I series.

We can be proud of our effort, says Tim Paine after retaining Ashes

Greg Chappell could not do it, while Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke, who had both had two attempts each, were unable to manage it either.

But if his side avoid defeat in the fifth Test against England at The Oval starting Thursday, Tim Paine will join the list of Australia captains who have led the team to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-retain-ashes-with-185-run-win-over-england-in-fourth-test-248509">an Ashes series win in England</a>.

It is a feat no Australia captain has achieved since Steve Waugh oversaw a 4-1 success 18 years ago.

Waugh, like Chappell, Ponting and Clarke, is one of Australia's greatest cricketers.

No one, least of all wicketkeeper Paine himself, would suggest he is in that class and the way in which he inherited the captaincy was highly unusual.

Traditionally, Australia have picked their best 11 players first and then opted for one of them as captain, while in England, where there has long been an emphasis on 'leadership qualities', the tendency has been to select the skipper first and then find 10 others to join him.

Paine's case was different. Following the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town in March 2018 that saw <a href="wionews.com/sports/take-steve-smith-out-it-would-be-very-similar-for-both-teams-joe-root-248583">Steve Smith</a> stripped of the captaincy and David Warner removed from the post of vice-captain — with both batsmen subsequently given 12-month bans by Cricket Australia — officials needed someone uncontaminated by the incident to lead the team and turned to Paine the morning after 'Sandpapergate'.

Paine, who had made his Australia debut in a Test against Pakistan at Lord's in 2010, had been on the brink of retiring from cricket in 2017 and taking up a job with an equipment manufacturer instead.

But having forced his way back into the side, the Tasmanian found himself thrust into the captaincy barely a year later.

Ever since becoming skipper, Paine has face accusations that he is both an "accidental" skipper and not worth his place in the side.

But having shown dignity after a dramatic one-wicket loss in the third Test at Headingley, Paine had the satisfaction of leading the team to an 185-run win at Old Trafford on Sunday that ensured they retained the Ashes at 2-1 up with just one to play.

'Scary Smith'

Much of the credit will go to Smith, who has so far scored 671 runs at 134.20 with three hundreds, including 211 at Old Trafford, in his first series since his ban.

"He is just a genius and I never had any doubt he would come back and be the player he was," said Paine, who made his Test debut in the same match as Smith.

"The scary thing is he's getting better.&nbsp;I don't know where it is going to stop but we are enjoying being on the ride, that is for sure."

Just as Smith is the world's top-ranked Test batsman, Australia spearhead Pat Cummins is at the summit of the corresponding bowling rankings.

Most captains are only as good as their players, but Paine contributed to victory in Manchester by ending a run of low scores with a valuable first-innings 58.

"In terms of what we've been able to achieve as a group is pretty satisfying from where we've come from in the last 18 months," said Paine.

"Great character, shows the great people we have got and shows we've also got some bloody good cricketers in our team.

"Also from where we've come from, even from last week (the defeat at Headingley). That was a loss that would break a lot of teams but we weren't."

As for personal satisfaction, the 34-year-old Paine added: "My dream was to come here and win an Ashes. I certainly didn't want to be the captain winning the Ashes.

"I am just happy to be a part of it. I could have been working at Kookaburra so this isn't bad."

Greg Chappell could not do it, while Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke, who had both had two attempts each, were unable to manage it either. But if his side avoid defeat in the fifth Test against England at The Oval starting Thursday, Tim Paine will join the list of Australia captains who have led the team to an Ashes series win in England.

Greg Chappell could not do it, while Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke, who had both had two attempts each, were unable to manage it either. But if his side avoid defeat in the fifth Test against England at The Oval starting Thursday, Tim Paine will join the list of Australia captains who have led the team to an Ashes series win in England. It is a feat no Australia captain has achieved since Steve Waugh oversaw a 4-1 success 18 years ago. Waugh, like Chappell, Ponting and Clarke, is one of Australia's greatest cricketers. No one, least of all wicketkeeper Paine himself, would suggest he is in that class and the way in which he inherited the captaincy was highly unusual. Traditionally, Australia have picked their best 11 players first and then opted for one of them as captain, while in England, where there has long been an emphasis on 'leadership qualities', the tendency has been to select the skipper first and then find 10 others to join him. Paine's case was different. Following the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town in March 2018 that saw Steve Smith stripped of the captaincy and David Warner removed from the post of vice-captain — with both batsmen subsequently given 12-month bans by Cricket Australia — officials needed someone uncontaminated by the incident to lead the team and turned to Paine the morning after 'Sandpapergate'. Paine, who had made his Australia debut in a Test against Pakistan at Lord's in 2010, had been on the brink of retiring from cricket in 2017 and taking up a job with an equipment manufacturer instead. But having forced his way back into the side, the Tasmanian found himself thrust into the captaincy barely a year later. Ever since becoming skipper, Paine has face accusations that he is both an "accidental" skipper and not worth his place in the side. But having shown dignity after a dramatic one-wicket loss in the third Test at Headingley, Paine had the satisfaction of leading the team to an 185-run win at Old Trafford on Sunday that ensured they retained the Ashes at 2-1 up with just one to play. 'Scary Smith' Much of the credit will go to Smith, who has so far scored 671 runs at 134.20 with three hundreds, including 211 at Old Trafford, in his first series since his ban. "He is just a genius and I never had any doubt he would come back and be the player he was," said Paine, who made his Test debut in the same match as Smith. "The scary thing is he's getting better. I don't know where it is going to stop but we are enjoying being on the ride, that is for sure." Just as Smith is the world's top-ranked Test batsman, Australia spearhead Pat Cummins is at the summit of the corresponding bowling rankings. Most captains are only as good as their players, but Paine contributed to victory in Manchester by ending a run of low scores with a valuable first-innings 58. "In terms of what we've been able to achieve as a group is pretty satisfying from where we've come from in the last 18 months," said Paine. "Great character, shows the great people we have got and shows we've also got some bloody good cricketers in our team. "Also from where we've come from, even from last week (the defeat at Headingley). That was a loss that would break a lot of teams but we weren't." As for personal satisfaction, the 34-year-old Paine added: "My dream was to come here and win an Ashes. I certainly didn't want to be the captain winning the Ashes. "I am just happy to be a part of it. I could have been working at Kookaburra so this isn't bad."

'Accidental' Australia captain Tim Paine on verge of Ashes landmark

It is nine days since Ben Stokes hit a remarkable 135 not out to win the third Test of the Ashes series at Headingley, and as he prepares for the next instalment, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/usman-khawaja-dropped-as-steve-smith-returns-for-fourth-ashes-test-247306">Australia</a> captain Tim Paine said thoughts of how to outwit the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-call-up-craig-overton-for-fourth-ashes-test-247419">England</a> batsman keep him awake at night.

England were nine wickets down with 73 runs required before Stokes' swashbuckling innings almost single-handedly kept England in the series and denied Australia a win that would have ensured the tourists retained the Ashes.

Questions have been asked of Paine's decisions in the decisive final hours of that Test. But asked whether he fears Stokes' feat may hang over his captaincy in the way that all-rounders Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff impacted previous Aussie skippers, Paine said his concern was more basic.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/justin-langer-cites-muhammad-alis-example-to-inspire-australia-247374">Justin Langer cites Muhammad Ali's example to inspire Australia</a>

"Nah, I haven't lost a hell of a lot of sleep&nbsp;thinking about my captaincy. But I have lost a bit of sleep thinking how we're going to get him out, that's for sure," he said.

"He's a class player, and he's really confident at the moment. He's going well. Like I said, we've got some plans for him - but we've just got to execute them a bit better," he said.

Paine believed spinner Nathan Lyon has troubled Stokes at various times, but he has urged his fielders to provide better support than they did at Headingley.

"I think Nathan has actually bowled really well to him. He's created a number of chances each time he's bowled to&nbsp;him.

"But the other side of it is we hold our chances when Nathan is bowling to him. If we can do that, I think he can open the game up for us through that middle order. The last two Tests in particular, we've let Nathan down a bit with our fielding," he said.

Paine did however engage in some self-criticism about the way the last Test got away from his side.

"We made some mistakes, it happens. We have addressed it as a team and spoken about it honestly. I was certainly one of those people who made mistakes. I would have done some things differently with my field placings," he said.

"There were times, looking back at it, where it was obvious I should have had the field up and allowed Ben to hit a couple of boundaries so we had more balls at the tailender (Jack Leach).

"That's the main thing I would have done differently. It happens in cricket and we have moved on, learnt from it, and we are ready for another great Test match."

It is nine days since Ben Stokes hit a remarkable 135 not out to win the third Test of the Ashes series at Headingley, and as he prepares for the next instalment, Australia captain Tim Paine said thoughts of how to outwit the England batsman keep him awake at night.

It is nine days since Ben Stokes hit a remarkable 135 not out to win the third Test of the Ashes series at Headingley, and as he prepares for the next instalment, Australia captain Tim Paine said thoughts of how to outwit the England batsman keep him awake at night. England were nine wickets down with 73 runs required before Stokes' swashbuckling innings almost single-handedly kept England in the series and denied Australia a win that would have ensured the tourists retained the Ashes. Questions have been asked of Paine's decisions in the decisive final hours of that Test. But asked whether he fears Stokes' feat may hang over his captaincy in the way that all-rounders Ian Botham and Andrew Flintoff impacted previous Aussie skippers, Paine said his concern was more basic. Also Read: Justin Langer cites Muhammad Ali's example to inspire Australia "Nah, I haven't lost a hell of a lot of sleep thinking about my captaincy. But I have lost a bit of sleep thinking how we're going to get him out, that's for sure," he said. "He's a class player, and he's really confident at the moment. He's going well. Like I said, we've got some plans for him - but we've just got to execute them a bit better," he said. Paine believed spinner Nathan Lyon has troubled Stokes at various times, but he has urged his fielders to provide better support than they did at Headingley. "I think Nathan has actually bowled really well to him. He's created a number of chances each time he's bowled to him. "But the other side of it is we hold our chances when Nathan is bowling to him. If we can do that, I think he can open the game up for us through that middle order. The last two Tests in particular, we've let Nathan down a bit with our fielding," he said. Paine did however engage in some self-criticism about the way the last Test got away from his side. "We made some mistakes, it happens. We have addressed it as a team and spoken about it honestly. I was certainly one of those people who made mistakes. I would have done some things differently with my field placings," he said. "There were times, looking back at it, where it was obvious I should have had the field up and allowed Ben to hit a couple of boundaries so we had more balls at the tailender (Jack Leach). "That's the main thing I would have done differently. It happens in cricket and we have moved on, learnt from it, and we are ready for another great Test match."

Ashes 2019: Ben Stokes threat keeps Aussie skipper Paine awake at night

Australian captain Tim Paine admitted that Ben Stokes was simply too good for the visitors as the all-rounder delivered one of the greatest Ashes innings to help <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2019-ben-stokes-stars-as-england-win-headingley-test-by-1-wicket-245572">England to victory at Headingley</a> that levelled the series.

With England on the ropes at 286-9, still 73 runs short of their target, Australia looked set to take a 2-0 lead in the five-Test series and retain the urn with two matches to play.

But England's World Cup hero Stokes launched a solo attack to score an unbeaten 135 and help the hosts chase down a target of 359 in dramatic fashion.

"We finished up on the wrong side of it. In terms of an advertisement for Test cricket, I think that was bloody exciting," Paine said.

"Ben Stokes played an unbelievable innings and in the end he was too good for us.

"It was probably the best Test innings I've seen and the rest of the team thought the same thing."

Australia threatened to take the final wicket for a victory that seemed inevitable on several occasions but failed to get the job done.

With 17 runs needed, Stokes was dropped by Marcus Harris at third man. In the next over, Jack Leach should have been run out, only for Nathan Lyon to fumble the ball.

Stokes should have been adjudged leg before on the very next ball, but with no reviews left, Australia could not challenge the umpire's call.

Paine said his players were guilty of individual errors in the closing stages of the match but maintained they did not crack under the pressure.

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No "sulking" or getting "caught in the emotion" – skipper Tim Paine wants Australia to move on from the Headingley heartbreak. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a> <a href="https://t.co/PUwESjfTuo">https://t.co/PUwESjfTuo</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1165874015413702656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"No doubt there was pressure, that's Test cricket, and it was close, tight, the crowd was loud, that was as hard as it gets for a touring side," the skipper added.

"Sometimes people make mistakes and we made a couple today.In the end it cost us the Test match. We have time now to make sure we stick together, bounce back."

Australia will look to shake off the disappointment heading into Old Trafford, where top scorer Steve Smith could return after missing the third Test due to concussion.

"As I said to the boys before I got in here, if we get caught up in the emotion of it all and get too down on things the series can be taken away from you really quickly," Paine said.

"The facts are we've been in a position to win every Test match that we've played in so far. We're doing something right, we have to keep believing in that."

Australian captain Tim Paine admitted that Ben Stokes was simply too good for the visitors as the all-rounder delivered one of the greatest Ashes innings to help England to victory at Headingley that levelled the series.

Australian captain Tim Paine admitted that Ben Stokes was simply too good for the visitors as the all-rounder delivered one of the greatest Ashes innings to help England to victory at Headingley that levelled the series. With England on the ropes at 286-9, still 73 runs short of their target, Australia looked set to take a 2-0 lead in the five-Test series and retain the urn with two matches to play. But England's World Cup hero Stokes launched a solo attack to score an unbeaten 135 and help the hosts chase down a target of 359 in dramatic fashion. "We finished up on the wrong side of it. In terms of an advertisement for Test cricket, I think that was bloody exciting," Paine said. "Ben Stokes played an unbelievable innings and in the end he was too good for us. "It was probably the best Test innings I've seen and the rest of the team thought the same thing." Australia threatened to take the final wicket for a victory that seemed inevitable on several occasions but failed to get the job done. With 17 runs needed, Stokes was dropped by Marcus Harris at third man. In the next over, Jack Leach should have been run out, only for Nathan Lyon to fumble the ball. Stokes should have been adjudged leg before on the very next ball, but with no reviews left, Australia could not challenge the umpire's call. Paine said his players were guilty of individual errors in the closing stages of the match but maintained they did not crack under the pressure. No "sulking" or getting "caught in the emotion" – skipper Tim Paine wants Australia to move on from the Headingley heartbreak. #Ashes https://t.co/PUwESjfTuo — ICC (@ICC) August 26, 2019 × "No doubt there was pressure, that's Test cricket, and it was close, tight, the crowd was loud, that was as hard as it gets for a touring side," the skipper added. "Sometimes people make mistakes and we made a couple today.In the end it cost us the Test match. We have time now to make sure we stick together, bounce back." Australia will look to shake off the disappointment heading into Old Trafford, where top scorer Steve Smith could return after missing the third Test due to concussion. "As I said to the boys before I got in here, if we get caught up in the emotion of it all and get too down on things the series can be taken away from you really quickly," Paine said. "The facts are we've been in a position to win every Test match that we've played in so far. We're doing something right, we have to keep believing in that."

'Unbelievable' Ben Stokes was too good for Australia, says Tim Paine

An emotional Steve Smith said his brilliant contribution to Australia's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-win-first-ashes-test-against-england-by-251-runs-240911">first-Test humbling of England </a>was a dream come true after the pain of his ball-tampering ban.

Smith hit 144 and 142 as Australia beat England by 251 runs at Edgbaston to win the opening game of the five-match Ashes series.

It was a personal triumph for the 30-year-old, who was playing in his first Test since a 12-month ban for his role in last year's shocking ball-tampering scandal on Australia's tour of South Africa.

"It feels pretty special, winning the first Test in England is really special. It feels great, I'm loving being back playing cricket for Australia, doing what I love and contributing to wins," Smith said.&nbsp;

"To score two tons&nbsp;in a match - the first time I've done that in any form of cricket in my life - is very special and I'm very proud."

Smith's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/steve-smith-hailed-as-best-test-batsman-weve-seen-by-australias-tim-paine-240929">appetite for runs </a>is such that he is being compared to Australia sporting icon Don Bradman, widely regarded as the greatest-ever Test batsman.

Bradman, in a career spanning the years either side of World War II, averaged a staggering 99.94 in 52 Tests including 29 centuries.

Out of the batsmen to have played at least 20 Test innings, Smith's career average of 62.96 is second only in the all-time list to that of 'the Don'.

And by becoming just the fifth Australian to score hundreds in both innings of an Ashes Test, Smith has an achievement that eluded even Bradman.

Smith, who has now scored 25 tons&nbsp;in 65 Tests, revealed he had lost his passion for cricket as a result of his ban and an elbow injury, but he is now fully motivated again and reaping the rewards.

"I didn't dream about how I would come back. I was just letting time pass and when I got my elbow brace off after surgery something clicked and I was ready to play cricket again. I did lose that love for a little bit but I'm back doing what I love now and it's great," he said.

Smith changed the tone of the match, leading Australia to 284 all out in their first innings from a perilous 122-8.

"When I got that first hundred I was just thinking, 'don't burst into tears.' That was as special as my first hundred back in 2013. It was a relief to get it out of the way," he said.

"I copped a bit of stick out there (over the ball-tampering incident) but I'm not paying much attention to that and fortunately we've got a good Aussie contingent here. They're creating a good atmosphere for us and we're grateful for it." 
&nbsp;

An emotional Steve Smith said his brilliant contribution to Australia's first-Test humbling of England was a dream come true after the pain of his ball-tampering ban.

An emotional Steve Smith said his brilliant contribution to Australia's first-Test humbling of England was a dream come true after the pain of his ball-tampering ban. Smith hit 144 and 142 as Australia beat England by 251 runs at Edgbaston to win the opening game of the five-match Ashes series. It was a personal triumph for the 30-year-old, who was playing in his first Test since a 12-month ban for his role in last year's shocking ball-tampering scandal on Australia's tour of South Africa. "It feels pretty special, winning the first Test in England is really special. It feels great, I'm loving being back playing cricket for Australia, doing what I love and contributing to wins," Smith said. "To score two tons in a match - the first time I've done that in any form of cricket in my life - is very special and I'm very proud." Smith's appetite for runs is such that he is being compared to Australia sporting icon Don Bradman, widely regarded as the greatest-ever Test batsman. Bradman, in a career spanning the years either side of World War II, averaged a staggering 99.94 in 52 Tests including 29 centuries. Out of the batsmen to have played at least 20 Test innings, Smith's career average of 62.96 is second only in the all-time list to that of 'the Don'. And by becoming just the fifth Australian to score hundreds in both innings of an Ashes Test, Smith has an achievement that eluded even Bradman. Smith, who has now scored 25 tons in 65 Tests, revealed he had lost his passion for cricket as a result of his ban and an elbow injury, but he is now fully motivated again and reaping the rewards. "I didn't dream about how I would come back. I was just letting time pass and when I got my elbow brace off after surgery something clicked and I was ready to play cricket again. I did lose that love for a little bit but I'm back doing what I love now and it's great," he said. Smith changed the tone of the match, leading Australia to 284 all out in their first innings from a perilous 122-8. "When I got that first hundred I was just thinking, 'don't burst into tears.' That was as special as my first hundred back in 2013. It was a relief to get it out of the way," he said. "I copped a bit of stick out there (over the ball-tampering incident) but I'm not paying much attention to that and fortunately we've got a good Aussie contingent here. They're creating a good atmosphere for us and we're grateful for it."

After ton, I was thinking don't burst into tears: Ashes centurion Steve Smith

Australia captain Tim Paine on Monday hailed Steve Smith as "probably the best Test batsman we've ever seen" after his man-of-the-match performance in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-win-first-ashes-test-against-england-by-251-runs-240911">first Ashes Test at Edgbaston</a>.

The tourists beat England by 251 runs to win the first game of the five-match series.&nbsp;

England, set an imposing target of 398 to win, collapsed to 97-7 in the post-lunch session on the fifth and final day before being bowled out for 146.

Off-spinner Nathan Lyon took 6-49 and fast bowler Pat Cummins 4-32 as Australia enjoyed their first win in all formats at Edgbaston since 2001 -- the last time they won an Ashes series in England.

The match was a personal triumph for Australia's Steve Smith, who in his first Test since a 12-month ban for his role in a ball-tampering scandal, scored 144 and 142.

Smith was the hero for Australia as they battled back from 122-8 in the first innings.

"I thought we were certainly up against it at that stage but we had the best player in the world at the crease," said Paine.

"Steve showed his class in both innings. We're running out of things to say about Smithy. He's probably the best Test batsman we've ever seen. We're lucky to witness it.

"Nathan bowled superbly but our three quicks took a lot of pressure off him at the other end as well. The seamers were sensational.

"We thought we could improve on our first-innings performance with the ball. All those guys are world-class performers. This morning all four of them were sensational.

"We know every Test we play in England, the crowd will be against us. I thought the guys handled themselves really well and we've come out on top."

Australia captain Tim Paine on Monday hailed Steve Smith as "probably the best Test batsman we've ever seen" after his man-of-the-match performance in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston.

Australia captain Tim Paine on Monday hailed Steve Smith as "probably the best Test batsman we've ever seen" after his man-of-the-match performance in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston. The tourists beat England by 251 runs to win the first game of the five-match series. England, set an imposing target of 398 to win, collapsed to 97-7 in the post-lunch session on the fifth and final day before being bowled out for 146. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon took 6-49 and fast bowler Pat Cummins 4-32 as Australia enjoyed their first win in all formats at Edgbaston since 2001 -- the last time they won an Ashes series in England. The match was a personal triumph for Australia's Steve Smith, who in his first Test since a 12-month ban for his role in a ball-tampering scandal, scored 144 and 142. Smith was the hero for Australia as they battled back from 122-8 in the first innings. "I thought we were certainly up against it at that stage but we had the best player in the world at the crease," said Paine. "Steve showed his class in both innings. We're running out of things to say about Smithy. He's probably the best Test batsman we've ever seen. We're lucky to witness it. "Nathan bowled superbly but our three quicks took a lot of pressure off him at the other end as well. The seamers were sensational. "We thought we could improve on our first-innings performance with the ball. All those guys are world-class performers. This morning all four of them were sensational. "We know every Test we play in England, the crowd will be against us. I thought the guys handled themselves really well and we've come out on top."

Steve Smith hailed as 'best Test batsman we've seen' by Australia's Tim Paine

Australia's Steve Smith said he had contemplated the end of his career after marking his first Test since a year-long ball-tampering ban with a superb <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2019-eng-v-aus-first-test-day-one-smith-ton-takes-australia-to-284-all-out-in-first-ashes-test-240025">century on the opening day of the 2019 Ashes</a>.

The tourists were struggling at 17-2 at Edgbaston on Thursday when former Australia captain Smith walked out to bat and they later collapsed to 122-8.

But Smith, ignoring the repeated boos of the crowd, made 144 in a total of 284 after current Australia skipper Tim Paine won the toss before England closed on 10-0.

Smith's 24th Test century was the star batsman's first international hundred since he returned to Australia duty during a World Cup where he made 85 in last month's Edgbaston semi-final defeat by eventual champions England.

"There were times throughout the last 15 months where I didn't know if I was ever going to play cricket again," Smith, renowned for his obsessive devotion to the sport, told reporters after stumps.

"I lost a bit of love for it at one point, particularly when I had my elbow operation.&nbsp;

"It was really bizarre that it was the day I got the brace off my elbow, I found a love for it again.&nbsp;

"I don't know what it was, it was like a trigger that just said 'right I'm ready to go again, I want to play and I want to go out and play for Australia and make people proud and just do what I love doing'.

There were many familiar Smith traits on show in Birmingham, including the repeated fidgeting in his stance, while the crowd could scarcely have been tougher on the 30-year-old than he was when berating himself for the occasional loose shot.

Also on display was Smith's ability to bat well alongside tailenders, with Australia's last two wickets more than doubling their score.

Smith's near six-hour innings was a chanceless affair until he was last man out, with his biggest scare coming when given out lbw for 34 to Stuart Broad not playing a shot only to overturn the decision on review.

'Shivers down my spine'

Then skipper Smith and Warner, his deputy, were both given 12-month bans for their roles in the scandal in South Africa, while Cameron Bancroft -- the man who brazenly applied sandpaper to the ball during a Test in Cape Town -- was suspended from international duty for nine months by Cricket Australia.

All three batsmen were dismissed by Broad on Thursday, with openers Bancroft and Warner managing just 10 between them for the Ashes-holders.&nbsp;

The trio were booed on their way out to the middle and when they were dismissed, with even Smith's century a cue for yet more jeering.

"I know I've got the support of the boys in the room and, for me, that's all that really matters," insisted Smith following what he labelled one of his "best" centuries.&nbsp;

"They went berserk on the balcony when I got to my hundred and just looking up at them, it sent shivers down my spine."

When Broad eventually bowled Smith, the paceman had his 100th Test wicket against Australia after completing an innings haul of 5-86.

Australia's task was made easier by James Anderson, England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker, only bowling four overs before going off with a calf injury.&nbsp;

"He actually came and said sorry to all the bowlers, not that he's got anything to be sorry for," Broad said of Anderson, his longstanding new-ball colleague.&nbsp;

"He feels like he's let the bowling group down but he hasn't. Niggles are a part of fast bowling."

Broad paid tribute to Smith but, having been on the receiving end of a "bit of stick" by Australian crowds, refused to condemn spectators for their taunts.

"It's part of being a professional sportsman," he said. "Footballers get it all the time but it's a bit unexpected sometimes in cricket.&nbsp;

"Smith seemed to deal with it OK."

Australia's Steve Smith said he had contemplated the end of his career after marking his first Test since a year-long ball-tampering ban with a superb century on the opening day of the 2019 Ashes.

Australia's Steve Smith said he had contemplated the end of his career after marking his first Test since a year-long ball-tampering ban with a superb century on the opening day of the 2019 Ashes. The tourists were struggling at 17-2 at Edgbaston on Thursday when former Australia captain Smith walked out to bat and they later collapsed to 122-8. But Smith, ignoring the repeated boos of the crowd, made 144 in a total of 284 after current Australia skipper Tim Paine won the toss before England closed on 10-0. Smith's 24th Test century was the star batsman's first international hundred since he returned to Australia duty during a World Cup where he made 85 in last month's Edgbaston semi-final defeat by eventual champions England. "There were times throughout the last 15 months where I didn't know if I was ever going to play cricket again," Smith, renowned for his obsessive devotion to the sport, told reporters after stumps. "I lost a bit of love for it at one point, particularly when I had my elbow operation. "It was really bizarre that it was the day I got the brace off my elbow, I found a love for it again. "I don't know what it was, it was like a trigger that just said 'right I'm ready to go again, I want to play and I want to go out and play for Australia and make people proud and just do what I love doing'. There were many familiar Smith traits on show in Birmingham, including the repeated fidgeting in his stance, while the crowd could scarcely have been tougher on the 30-year-old than he was when berating himself for the occasional loose shot. Also on display was Smith's ability to bat well alongside tailenders, with Australia's last two wickets more than doubling their score. Smith's near six-hour innings was a chanceless affair until he was last man out, with his biggest scare coming when given out lbw for 34 to Stuart Broad not playing a shot only to overturn the decision on review. 'Shivers down my spine' Then skipper Smith and Warner, his deputy, were both given 12-month bans for their roles in the scandal in South Africa, while Cameron Bancroft -- the man who brazenly applied sandpaper to the ball during a Test in Cape Town -- was suspended from international duty for nine months by Cricket Australia. All three batsmen were dismissed by Broad on Thursday, with openers Bancroft and Warner managing just 10 between them for the Ashes-holders. The trio were booed on their way out to the middle and when they were dismissed, with even Smith's century a cue for yet more jeering. "I know I've got the support of the boys in the room and, for me, that's all that really matters," insisted Smith following what he labelled one of his "best" centuries. "They went berserk on the balcony when I got to my hundred and just looking up at them, it sent shivers down my spine." When Broad eventually bowled Smith, the paceman had his 100th Test wicket against Australia after completing an innings haul of 5-86. Australia's task was made easier by James Anderson, England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker, only bowling four overs before going off with a calf injury. "He actually came and said sorry to all the bowlers, not that he's got anything to be sorry for," Broad said of Anderson, his longstanding new-ball colleague. "He feels like he's let the bowling group down but he hasn't. Niggles are a part of fast bowling." Broad paid tribute to Smith but, having been on the receiving end of a "bit of stick" by Australian crowds, refused to condemn spectators for their taunts. "It's part of being a professional sportsman," he said. "Footballers get it all the time but it's a bit unexpected sometimes in cricket. "Smith seemed to deal with it OK."

I lost bit of love for cricket at one point, says Steve Smith after Ashes comeback century

Australia captain Tim Paine won the toss and decided to bat in the first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anderson-could-hold-key-to-ashes-says-mcgrath-239251">Ashes</a> Test against England at Edgbaston on Thursday.

Ashes-holders Australia has not won a match of any kind at Edgbaston since 2001, while England has won their past 11 internationals at the Birmingham ground.

Australia is looking for their first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-contest-too-close-to-call-says-former-australia-captain-steve-waugh-238960">Ashes series win</a> in England in 18 years.

"The wicket looks nice and hard and dry," said Tim Paine at the toss. "Hopefully we post a good total and we've got (off-spinner) Nathan Lyon up our sleeve at the back end of the game."

As expected, the visitors included all three players given lengthy bans for their roles in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year -- David Warner, Cameron Bancroft and former captain Steve Smith.

Openers Bancroft and Warner knew they would be booed on their way to the middle, judging by the hostile reception Warner and top-order batsman Smith received during the recent World Cup in England and Wales.

They did not have to wait even that long to face the boo-boys, with the Australia team as a whole jeered onto the field for a pre-match anthem ceremony -- an unusual occurrence before a Test match in England.

Reserve wicketkeeper Matthew Wade was included as a specialist batsman after making three hundred for Australia A on their tour of England.&nbsp;

Usman Khawaja was also back in the top order following a hamstring injury that cut short his involvement in the World Cup, which saw Australia defeated by eventual champions England in an Edgbaston semi-final.

Australia also included experienced paceman Peter Siddle, who has been playing English county cricket this season for Essex, in an attack featuring James Pattinson and Pat Cummins.

"He's a class performer there," said wicketkeeper Paine. "He complements the other two seamers really nicely."

But there was no place for World Cup spearhead Mitchell Starc. &nbsp;

England captain Joe Root named his side on Wednesday.

James Anderson, England's all-time leading wicket-taker, returned after missing last week's win in a one-off Test against Ireland at Lord's.

But World Cup hero Jofra Archer was left waiting for a Test debut after struggling with a side injury.

Fellow World Cup winners Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler returned after being rested against Ireland.

Root had no qualms about losing the toss, saying: "I'm not disappointed at all. It's overcast conditions. It'll be nice to get off to a good start.

"We've go so many great options to go to, especially with the ball. This morning is a great opportunity to exploit that.&nbsp;

"We love playing here, we get fantastic support wherever we go. The atmosphere here, in particular, is extremely exciting."

The Edgbaston match is the first of a five-Test series and the first of the ICC's new World Test Championship, with players' names and squad numbers displayed on the backs of their shirts for the first time in this format.&nbsp;

Australia captain Tim Paine won the toss and decided to bat in the first Ashes Test against England at Edgbaston on Thursday. Ashes-holders Australia has not won a match of any kind at Edgbaston since 2001, while England has won their past 11 internationals at the Birmingham ground.

Australia captain Tim Paine won the toss and decided to bat in the first Ashes Test against England at Edgbaston on Thursday. Ashes-holders Australia has not won a match of any kind at Edgbaston since 2001, while England has won their past 11 internationals at the Birmingham ground. Australia is looking for their first Ashes series win in England in 18 years. "The wicket looks nice and hard and dry," said Tim Paine at the toss. "Hopefully we post a good total and we've got (off-spinner) Nathan Lyon up our sleeve at the back end of the game." As expected, the visitors included all three players given lengthy bans for their roles in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year -- David Warner, Cameron Bancroft and former captain Steve Smith. Openers Bancroft and Warner knew they would be booed on their way to the middle, judging by the hostile reception Warner and top-order batsman Smith received during the recent World Cup in England and Wales. They did not have to wait even that long to face the boo-boys, with the Australia team as a whole jeered onto the field for a pre-match anthem ceremony -- an unusual occurrence before a Test match in England. Reserve wicketkeeper Matthew Wade was included as a specialist batsman after making three hundred for Australia A on their tour of England. Usman Khawaja was also back in the top order following a hamstring injury that cut short his involvement in the World Cup, which saw Australia defeated by eventual champions England in an Edgbaston semi-final. Australia also included experienced paceman Peter Siddle, who has been playing English county cricket this season for Essex, in an attack featuring James Pattinson and Pat Cummins. "He's a class performer there," said wicketkeeper Paine. "He complements the other two seamers really nicely." But there was no place for World Cup spearhead Mitchell Starc. England captain Joe Root named his side on Wednesday. James Anderson, England's all-time leading wicket-taker, returned after missing last week's win in a one-off Test against Ireland at Lord's. But World Cup hero Jofra Archer was left waiting for a Test debut after struggling with a side injury. Fellow World Cup winners Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler returned after being rested against Ireland. Root had no qualms about losing the toss, saying: "I'm not disappointed at all. It's overcast conditions. It'll be nice to get off to a good start. "We've go so many great options to go to, especially with the ball. This morning is a great opportunity to exploit that. "We love playing here, we get fantastic support wherever we go. The atmosphere here, in particular, is extremely exciting." The Edgbaston match is the first of a five-Test series and the first of the ICC's new World Test Championship, with players' names and squad numbers displayed on the backs of their shirts for the first time in this format.

Australia win toss and bat against England in first Ashes Test

How Dilip Jajodia is helping swing king Anderson with his weapon of choice in Ashes

Australia's hopes of winning an Ashes series in England for the first time in 18 years have been boosted by former Test captain Steve Waugh agreeing to mentor the side.

Waugh, considered the embodiment of Australian grit, was enlisted by coach Justin Langer who has made a point of bringing in former greats to help rebuild the team's image after the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year.

Ricky Ponting, Australia's record run-scorer, is currently assisting him at the World Cup in <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/englands-jonny-bairstow-picks-world-cup-glory-over-ashes-win-217217&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjH9tOB7prjAhVGnY8KHV3nCRoQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0VWfUrx9AWJqT_Za1_XXhj">England </a>ahead of the Ashes starting next month.

Test captain Tim Paine confirmed that Waugh -&nbsp;the last Australian skipper to win the Ashes in England in 2001 - would be with the team for the six-week campaign.

"I know it is something that 'JL' and myself have been quite big on, that is to try and get some of our past legends in and around the team," Paine said on the Cricket Australia website late Wednesday.

"During the World Cup as well, we have had Ricky (Ponting), and now with the Test series, we are very fortunate to have Steve Waugh who is, obviously, a legend and is going to be great service for myself as a leader and captain.

"I think to have someone like him around during a Test series is going to be great for our whole group," he added.

Renowned for his mental strength, <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-waugh-compares-hardik-pandya-with-lance-klusener-after-blistering-innings-against-australia-226198&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjS7K-V7prjAhVjl48KHZazBVQQFjAFegQIABAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2ENanT3xiuyptMu8UNlM0D">Waugh </a>played 168 Tests, including 46 against England, scoring 32 centuries.

The first Ashes Test starts at Edgbaston in Birmingham on August 1.

Australia's hopes of winning an Ashes series in England for the first time in 18 years have been boosted by former Test captain Steve Waugh agreeing to mentor the side.

Australia's hopes of winning an Ashes series in England for the first time in 18 years have been boosted by former Test captain Steve Waugh agreeing to mentor the side. Waugh, considered the embodiment of Australian grit, was enlisted by coach Justin Langer who has made a point of bringing in former greats to help rebuild the team's image after the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year. Ricky Ponting, Australia's record run-scorer, is currently assisting him at the World Cup in England ahead of the Ashes starting next month. Test captain Tim Paine confirmed that Waugh - the last Australian skipper to win the Ashes in England in 2001 - would be with the team for the six-week campaign. "I know it is something that 'JL' and myself have been quite big on, that is to try and get some of our past legends in and around the team," Paine said on the Cricket Australia website late Wednesday. "During the World Cup as well, we have had Ricky (Ponting), and now with the Test series, we are very fortunate to have Steve Waugh who is, obviously, a legend and is going to be great service for myself as a leader and captain. "I think to have someone like him around during a Test series is going to be great for our whole group," he added. Renowned for his mental strength, Waugh played 168 Tests, including 46 against England, scoring 32 centuries. The first Ashes Test starts at Edgbaston in Birmingham on August 1.

Former captain Steve Waugh to mentor Australia for Ashes

Skipper Tim Paine Monday said he expects the banned Steve Smith and David Warner to play "a huge" role in this year's Ashes series against England, with Australia now in "a really good place."&nbsp;

After a torrid 12 months marred by the ball-tampering row and poor form without their top stars, Australia ended their summer on a high by emphatically winning two Tests against Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

They claimed the first in Brisbane by an innings and 40 runs and the second in Canberra by 366 runs, following a tough home series defeat to top-ranked India.&nbsp;

Smith and Warner's bans for their role in trying to alter the ball in South Africa expire late next month and they are widely expected to quickly return to the national set-up.&nbsp;

"I think everyone to a degree has to earn their stripes. I think those two have got plenty of runs in the bank if you like," Paine said when asked if they could slot straight back in.&nbsp;

"Look, I see us going to the Ashes and them having a huge part in us winning the series. That's how I see how important they are to this team.&nbsp;

"We know how good they are and hopefully once their bans are up they'll be welcomed back and they will win Test matches like they did before."&nbsp;

Without the experienced pair, Australia struggled. But at least they broke a century drought stretching back to October in Canberra, with Joe Burns, Travis Head, Kurtis Patterson and Usman Khawaja all cashing in.&nbsp;

Their knocks put them in prime position for the Ashes against an England side reeling from an embarrassing capitulation in the West Indies.&nbsp;

Following a 381-run defeat by the hosts in the first Test in Barbados last month, England suffered a 10-wicket thrashing in Antigua on Saturday to lose the three-match series 2-0. 
 
Won back respect 

With the imminent return of Warner and Smith, there are now question marks over Marcus Harris and number four Marnus Labuschagne. 
Harris struggled in Canberra on a batting-friendly wicket as fellow opener Burns hit 180, while Labuschagne managed just six and four in his two innings.&nbsp;

Khawaja's snapping of a run drought is widely seen as being enough for him to remain at first drop, with Head's 161 and 59 not out sealing his place at number five.&nbsp;

Paine said he has a "fair idea" of what the Ashes team might look like.&nbsp;

"What we have seen over this summer is we are starting to build a squad with plenty of depth. There's probably anywhere between 16 and 25 players we think are now in the mix, which is a really good place to be," he added.&nbsp;

For Paine, heading to England, and as skipper, is something that has been on his mind for months.&nbsp;

"I've been dreaming about it actually," he said.&nbsp;

"I'm happy now that we've got this (Sri Lanka series) out of the way and I can put everything into it because every Australian cricketer can't wait to go and play an Ashes series, particularly in England."&nbsp;

The ball-tampering scandal, which led to year-long bans for Smith and Warner and nine months in exile for Cameron Bancroft, led to Australia changing its cricketing culture and toning down its aggressive sledging.

Paine said he was "really proud of the way we have gone about it".&nbsp;

"We spoke at the start of the summer that our main priority was to win back the respect of our Australian public and cricket fans. Sitting here now, I think we've gone a long way to doing that," he said.

Skipper Tim Paine Monday said he expects the banned Steve Smith and David Warner to play "a huge" role in this year's Ashes series against England, with Australia now in "a really good place.

Skipper Tim Paine Monday said he expects the banned Steve Smith and David Warner to play "a huge" role in this year's Ashes series against England, with Australia now in "a really good place." After a torrid 12 months marred by the ball-tampering row and poor form without their top stars, Australia ended their summer on a high by emphatically winning two Tests against Sri Lanka. They claimed the first in Brisbane by an innings and 40 runs and the second in Canberra by 366 runs, following a tough home series defeat to top-ranked India. Smith and Warner's bans for their role in trying to alter the ball in South Africa expire late next month and they are widely expected to quickly return to the national set-up. "I think everyone to a degree has to earn their stripes. I think those two have got plenty of runs in the bank if you like," Paine said when asked if they could slot straight back in. "Look, I see us going to the Ashes and them having a huge part in us winning the series. That's how I see how important they are to this team. "We know how good they are and hopefully once their bans are up they'll be welcomed back and they will win Test matches like they did before." Without the experienced pair, Australia struggled. But at least they broke a century drought stretching back to October in Canberra, with Joe Burns, Travis Head, Kurtis Patterson and Usman Khawaja all cashing in. Their knocks put them in prime position for the Ashes against an England side reeling from an embarrassing capitulation in the West Indies. Following a 381-run defeat by the hosts in the first Test in Barbados last month, England suffered a 10-wicket thrashing in Antigua on Saturday to lose the three-match series 2-0. Won back respect With the imminent return of Warner and Smith, there are now question marks over Marcus Harris and number four Marnus Labuschagne. Harris struggled in Canberra on a batting-friendly wicket as fellow opener Burns hit 180, while Labuschagne managed just six and four in his two innings. Khawaja's snapping of a run drought is widely seen as being enough for him to remain at first drop, with Head's 161 and 59 not out sealing his place at number five. Paine said he has a "fair idea" of what the Ashes team might look like. "What we have seen over this summer is we are starting to build a squad with plenty of depth. There's probably anywhere between 16 and 25 players we think are now in the mix, which is a really good place to be," he added. For Paine, heading to England, and as skipper, is something that has been on his mind for months. "I've been dreaming about it actually," he said. "I'm happy now that we've got this (Sri Lanka series) out of the way and I can put everything into it because every Australian cricketer can't wait to go and play an Ashes series, particularly in England." The ball-tampering scandal, which led to year-long bans for Smith and Warner and nine months in exile for Cameron Bancroft, led to Australia changing its cricketing culture and toning down its aggressive sledging. Paine said he was "really proud of the way we have gone about it". "We spoke at the start of the summer that our main priority was to win back the respect of our Australian public and cricket fans. Sitting here now, I think we've gone a long way to doing that," he said.

Steve Smith and David Warner to play 'huge' part in Ashes series: Tim Paine

Australia finally have the chance to bring some cheers to their fans after an egregious 2018 when Tim Paine's men take on Sri Lanka at the Manuka Oval from Friday with a series victory beckoning the beleaguered hosts.

The 4-0 Ashes victory in 2017-18 seems like a distant past for an Australian side who have since been beaten away by South Africa and Pakistan and lost their first ever home series to India earlier this month.

The tumultuous trip to South Africa not only resulted in a 3-1 drubbing for Australia, but they also lost their two best batsmen in captain Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner due to a ball-tampering scandal.

Australia beat Sri Lanka by an innings and 40 runs in Brisbane for only their second test victory of the summer and the hosts are determined not to take their foot off the pedal in the second and final test.

"We had a great game in Brisbane but I think we can get better," Australia spinner Nathan Lyon told reporters on Wednesday.

"We know Sri Lanka is going to come back hard, they are a classy outfit, a well-drilled outfit. We are expecting them to come back hard."

Sri Lanka have lost all-rounder Angelo Mathews and paceman Nuwan Pradeep through injuries even before the first test and their bid to level the series has been jolted with fast bowlers Lahiru Kumara and Dushmantha Chameera also joining them in the sidelines.

Sri Lanka have called up 22-year-old paceman Chamika Karunaratne but their pace attack has already been robbed of much of its firepower.

The tourists also faced off-field issues ahead of the second test after coach Chandika Hathurusingha was dropped from the selection panel while batting coach Jon Lewis has left for home to attend a family matter.

Lyon said the hosts were happy with their preparation as they head into the clash at Manuka Oval, which is making its debut as a test venue.

"It's an exciting group, there's lot of intensity at training. Our preparation for every test this summer has been outstanding," said Lyon, who spent four years from 2006-2010 at the venue as a curator.

"Obviously India outplayed us. But we knew coming up to Brisbane, if we had our solid preparation, ticked all the boxes that we can control then hopefully we will get the result.&nbsp;

"We were very fortunate we had Pat Cummins in our side and he played an absolute exceptional role out there. We are very satisfied with our preparation."

Australia finally have the chance to bring some cheers to their fans after an egregious 2018 when Tim Paine's men take on Sri Lanka at the Manuka Oval from Friday with a series victory beckoning the beleaguered hosts.

Australia finally have the chance to bring some cheers to their fans after an egregious 2018 when Tim Paine's men take on Sri Lanka at the Manuka Oval from Friday with a series victory beckoning the beleaguered hosts. The 4-0 Ashes victory in 2017-18 seems like a distant past for an Australian side who have since been beaten away by South Africa and Pakistan and lost their first ever home series to India earlier this month. The tumultuous trip to South Africa not only resulted in a 3-1 drubbing for Australia, but they also lost their two best batsmen in captain Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner due to a ball-tampering scandal. Australia beat Sri Lanka by an innings and 40 runs in Brisbane for only their second test victory of the summer and the hosts are determined not to take their foot off the pedal in the second and final test. "We had a great game in Brisbane but I think we can get better," Australia spinner Nathan Lyon told reporters on Wednesday. "We know Sri Lanka is going to come back hard, they are a classy outfit, a well-drilled outfit. We are expecting them to come back hard." Sri Lanka have lost all-rounder Angelo Mathews and paceman Nuwan Pradeep through injuries even before the first test and their bid to level the series has been jolted with fast bowlers Lahiru Kumara and Dushmantha Chameera also joining them in the sidelines. Sri Lanka have called up 22-year-old paceman Chamika Karunaratne but their pace attack has already been robbed of much of its firepower. The tourists also faced off-field issues ahead of the second test after coach Chandika Hathurusingha was dropped from the selection panel while batting coach Jon Lewis has left for home to attend a family matter. Lyon said the hosts were happy with their preparation as they head into the clash at Manuka Oval, which is making its debut as a test venue. "It's an exciting group, there's lot of intensity at training. Our preparation for every test this summer has been outstanding," said Lyon, who spent four years from 2006-2010 at the venue as a curator. "Obviously India outplayed us. But we knew coming up to Brisbane, if we had our solid preparation, ticked all the boxes that we can control then hopefully we will get the result. "We were very fortunate we had Pat Cummins in our side and he played an absolute exceptional role out there. We are very satisfied with our preparation."

Tim Paine's Australia seek Sri Lanka relief after tumultuous 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/see-babysitter-pants-photo-with-tim-paines-kids-187732">Days after Australian skipper Tim Paine</a> asked Rishabh Pant to babysit his kids, India's ODI star Rohit Sharma has also urged<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-hilarious-song-composed-for-rishabh-pant-by-fans-188365"> India's young wicketkeeper-batsman to babysit</a> his newborn daughter Samaira.

Replying to Pant's 'Good Morning' post on Twitter, the Hitman wrote, "Morning buddy. Heard you're a good baby sitter, need one right now. Ritika will be quite happy @RishabPant777."

Rohit, who was on the tour of Australia, missed the fourth Test and flew back to Mumbai soon after his wife Ritika delivered the baby, last week. The couple tied the knot in December 2015.

During the Melbourne Test, Paine asked Pant to babysit his kids while he takes his wife out for a movie.&nbsp;

The on-field banter was taken way too seriously by Paine's wife Bonnie as she posted a picture captioned "Best Babysitter" of the Indian wicket-keeper with her kids.

On the Australian soil, Pant ended the five-Test series as the second-highest run-scorer after Cheteshwar Pujara, notching 350 runs in seven innings.&nbsp;

While behind the stumps, he broke the record for most catches (20) by an Indian wicket-keeper in a Test series.

Days after Australian skipper Tim Paine asked Rishabh Pant to babysit his kids, India's ODI star Rohit Sharma has also urged India's young wicketkeeper-batsman to babysit his newborn daughter Samaira.

Days after Australian skipper Tim Paine asked Rishabh Pant to babysit his kids, India's ODI star Rohit Sharma has also urged India's young wicketkeeper-batsman to babysit his newborn daughter Samaira. Replying to Pant's 'Good Morning' post on Twitter, the Hitman wrote, "Morning buddy. Heard you're a good baby sitter, need one right now. Ritika will be quite happy @RishabPant777." Rohit, who was on the tour of Australia, missed the fourth Test and flew back to Mumbai soon after his wife Ritika delivered the baby, last week. The couple tied the knot in December 2015. During the Melbourne Test, Paine asked Pant to babysit his kids while he takes his wife out for a movie. The on-field banter was taken way too seriously by Paine's wife Bonnie as she posted a picture captioned "Best Babysitter" of the Indian wicket-keeper with her kids. On the Australian soil, Pant ended the five-Test series as the second-highest run-scorer after Cheteshwar Pujara, notching 350 runs in seven innings. While behind the stumps, he broke the record for most catches (20) by an Indian wicket-keeper in a Test series.

After Tim Paine, Rohit Sharma asks Rishabh Pant to babysit his newborn daughter

Tim Paine's men did their utmost to avoid being the first Australia side to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/historic-india-win-maiden-test-series-in-australia-188678">lose a Test series to India</a> on home soil but were outplayed in the key moments that might have swung matters in their favour, the 34-year-old said on Monday.

India wrapped up a 2-1 series victory, their first in 71 years of trying, after the fourth and final Test petered out in a draw at a rain-drenched Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday.

Installed as captain in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year, Paine has now overseen seven Test matches and won just one -- the Perth victory that tied up the series at 1-1.

Paine admitted his inexperienced side had been completely outplayed in the last two matches in Melbourne and Sydney but thought the series might have panned out differently had the Australians done better in the opener in Adelaide.

"We honestly feel that we let that Test match slip," he told reporters.

Watch: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-wife-anushka-goes-on-victory-walk-with-virat-kohli-in-sydney-188785">Wife Anushka goes on ‘victory walk’ with Virat Kohli in Sydney</a>

Watch: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-wife-anushka-goes-on-victory-walk-with-virat-kohli-in-sydney-188785">India's victory in Australia 'bigger' than 1983 World Cup win, says Shastri</a>

"We thought had a number of opportunities in that Test to get ahead of the game, and when those key moments came up, India outplayed us.

"More often than not when those big moments came up, Virat (Kohli) scored a century or (Cheteshwar) Pujara scored one or (Jasprit) Bumrah bowled a great spell and got them through those moments.

"Their best players stood up in the big moments."

Paine said the Australians, still without their best two batsmen because of the bans handed out to Steve Smith and David Warner for their part in the Newlands scandal, needed to emulate the Indians when they take on Sri Lanka in a two-Test series.

"We can learn a lot from the way they went about it and we'll make sure we do," he said.

"We'll have a week off and get ready for the Sri Lanka series. We've got faith that the guys around the team are the right guys."

Paine said he had faith that senior batsmen Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh and the pace bowlers Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins would rediscover their best form after under-par series.

He thought that opener Marcus Harris and Travis Head, who probably got their chances because of the absence of Smith and Warner, had acquitted themselves well at Test level.

Paine conceded, however, that not scoring a century between the batting unit over the entire series was a serious setback.

"Clearly, we know we're not going to win too many any Test matches without scoring hundreds," he said.

"But when guys are in their third, fourth Test matches, it's hard. We had so many starts throughout this series, it's just the experience of learning how to convert them.

"(And the Indian) attack was seriously good. I don't think in Australia we've given them enough credit for how relentless they were. It was hard work batting even for seasoned Test players."

After a one-day series against India, Australia next take on Sri Lanka in Brisbane starting on Jan 24 followed by the second Test in Canberra.

"We're really disappointed," Paine said. "We know we had some guys missing but we honestly felt coming into this series that, particularly in Australia, we could beat India."

Tim Paine's men did their utmost to avoid being the first Australia side to lose a Test series to India on home soil but were outplayed in the key moments that might have swung matters in their favour, the 34-year-old said on Monday.

Tim Paine's men did their utmost to avoid being the first Australia side to lose a Test series to India on home soil but were outplayed in the key moments that might have swung matters in their favour, the 34-year-old said on Monday. India wrapped up a 2-1 series victory, their first in 71 years of trying, after the fourth and final Test petered out in a draw at a rain-drenched Sydney Cricket Ground on Monday. Installed as captain in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year, Paine has now overseen seven Test matches and won just one -- the Perth victory that tied up the series at 1-1. Paine admitted his inexperienced side had been completely outplayed in the last two matches in Melbourne and Sydney but thought the series might have panned out differently had the Australians done better in the opener in Adelaide. "We honestly feel that we let that Test match slip," he told reporters. Watch: Wife Anushka goes on ‘victory walk’ with Virat Kohli in Sydney Watch: India's victory in Australia 'bigger' than 1983 World Cup win, says Shastri "We thought had a number of opportunities in that Test to get ahead of the game, and when those key moments came up, India outplayed us. "More often than not when those big moments came up, Virat (Kohli) scored a century or (Cheteshwar) Pujara scored one or (Jasprit) Bumrah bowled a great spell and got them through those moments. "Their best players stood up in the big moments." Paine said the Australians, still without their best two batsmen because of the bans handed out to Steve Smith and David Warner for their part in the Newlands scandal, needed to emulate the Indians when they take on Sri Lanka in a two-Test series. "We can learn a lot from the way they went about it and we'll make sure we do," he said. "We'll have a week off and get ready for the Sri Lanka series. We've got faith that the guys around the team are the right guys." Paine said he had faith that senior batsmen Usman Khawaja and Shaun Marsh and the pace bowlers Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins would rediscover their best form after under-par series. He thought that opener Marcus Harris and Travis Head, who probably got their chances because of the absence of Smith and Warner, had acquitted themselves well at Test level. Paine conceded, however, that not scoring a century between the batting unit over the entire series was a serious setback. "Clearly, we know we're not going to win too many any Test matches without scoring hundreds," he said. "But when guys are in their third, fourth Test matches, it's hard. We had so many starts throughout this series, it's just the experience of learning how to convert them. "(And the Indian) attack was seriously good. I don't think in Australia we've given them enough credit for how relentless they were. It was hard work batting even for seasoned Test players." After a one-day series against India, Australia next take on Sri Lanka in Brisbane starting on Jan 24 followed by the second Test in Canberra. "We're really disappointed," Paine said. "We know we had some guys missing but we honestly felt coming into this series that, particularly in Australia, we could beat India."

India vs Australia: We were outplayed in key moments, says Australia captain Tim Paine

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