Southampton: Tim Paine says his team are excited to have Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft back on the cusp of the Ashes, declaring the drama of the Cape Town ball-tampering crisis “all in the past” as Australia seek a first series win in England in 18 years.
The Australians travel on Saturday to Birmingham, the site of the first Test starting on Thursday, after an intra-squad game in Hampshire this week.
Test return welcome: David Warner gets some runs behind the wicket during the intra-squad match at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton.Credit:PA
It will be the first Ashes series in charge for Paine, who took over the captaincy in the most extraordinary circumstances in South Africa 16 months ago.
The Test comebacks of the players banned over the sandpaper controversy are an undeniable narrative ahead of the first match against England at Edgbaston, and with 44 Test hundreds between them, Smith and Warner in particular shape as crucial assets for Australia if they are to defend the Ashes over the next two months.
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“Thats all in the past,” Paine said. “I think everyone is rapt to have them back, thats the emotion. Everyone is excited to have two of our loved teammates back in, and 'Bangers' three.
“Having all three adds not only to our team but knowledge of English conditions. Bangers has played a lot of cricket over here now and the other two are two of the best players in the world. We are thrilled from a cricket aspect, we are thrilled from a team aspect to have those guys back in around our group.”
Australias Ashes squad was due to be announced on Friday night (AEST) and Paine said the tourists were pleased with their preparation after an intra-squad game in which Bancroft top-scored with an unbeaten 93 and Warner made a handy first-innings 58.
“One of the main aims was to make sure spots for the Australian Test team are really competitive,” he said. “That was one of the ideas around this game. It was pleasing that guys who havent been in that set-up took their opportunities and played really well.”
There has been a fitness concern over Usman Khawaja, who didnt play in the match due to his recovery from a hamstring strain suffered at the tail end of the World Cup. But the Test No.3 came out to bat for about an hour in centre-wicket practice at the Ageas Bowl on Thursday afternoon and Paine believes he will be fit for Edgbaston.
“I think hes 100 per cent,” Paine said. “He was running a little bit between the wickets, not at full intensity but Usman has been playing a lot of cricket, he has been over here for months. It wasnt ideal he didnt play in this game but I think hes going to be fit and available for selection next week.”
Hard to omit: James Pattinson appeals during an impressive spell in what was, effectively, an Ashes audition.Credit:PA
A major point of interest ahead of the first Test will be the make-up of the Australian fast bowling attack and whether selectors will split up the so-called big three at Edgbaston.
A sensational James Pattinson has made himself hard to leave out of the XI but if thats the case at least one of Australias regular frontline quicks would have to be omitted.
It wont be Pat Cummins so Read More – Source
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