With the Aussies 2-0 up in the Ashes already, skipper Steven Smith will be planning to seal the series in the 3rd Test itself.
However, the tensions are living up to their expectations, as we inch closer to the third chapter with Tim Paine delivering his statement. The wicketkeeper-batsman denied reports of Kangaroos crossing the limit with excessive sledging in Brisbane.
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Former England wicket-keeper Matt Prior had mentioned the Englishmen did not have a pleasant experience at the Gabba against the Aussies. In his words “quite frankly shouldn’t be on a cricket pitch”.
Former skipper Bob Willis expressed similar feelings while England cricketer Jonny Bairstow was furious. Bairstow reported he would take the matter seriously and take steps if the same kind of sledging continues throughout the five-match Test series.
“There’s been nothing that I’ve heard that has been too untoward or anything that has been particularly nasty. It’s just been tough Test match cricket,” Paine told reporters in Perth on Monday.
“It’s been played in pretty good spirit from what I’ve seen and heard.” he added. “Both teams have – despite what it may look like – a huge amount of respect for each other.”
“I was (surprised by Bairstow’s take). I certainly haven’t heard anything that has crossed the line,” said Paine.
However, the Test was also marked by allegations against the English where it came into notice that Jonny Bairstow headbutted Aussie debutant Cameron Bancroft on the first night. After the suspension of Ben Stokes by the ECB for punching a man on the street, England’s code of conduct has been a real issue. The latest to add to the list is the case of Ben Duckett who got suspended for pouring a drink on Jimmy Anderson’s head.
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“I’m sure someone will bring it up at some stage,” Paine said. “But what’s happening in their camp off the field has no effect on the way we’re going to go about our cricket. “I haven’t paid a hell of a lot of attention to it … it’s a bit irrelevant,” he concluded.