Ashes 2019: Tim Paine clarifies no intensity let-up for Australia's intra-squad game 

The game is important before the selection committee meets to decide the final squad for the Ashes.

Paine will be leading Australia in the Ashes | Getty

There will be no let-up in intensity when the 24-man visiting squad play a four-day intra-squad match in preparation for the upcoming Ashes in England, made clear Australia Test captain Tim Paine. 

Offering also a chance to adjust to tough local conditions in UK, the practice match will be played before the Trevor Hohns-led selection panel finalise the 16 member team for the Ashes beginning August 1.

"It will be a proper game. Both sides will be looking to win and both sides will have individual players wanting to do really well to press their final case for Ashes selection," Paine was quoted as saying in Southampton.

"We certainly don't expect it to peter out in the second innings or play around with a run chase or anything like that. At the moment, it's a fair game of cricket, and that's been made really clear."

"We're looking at it as a real opportunity to test each other's skills so when we get to the first Test we know exactly where we're at and everyone's had a perfect preparation, and everyone's been put [under] pressure."

It has been 18 years since Australia last won the Ashes on English soil when Steve Waugh's all-conquering men clinched a 4-1 series victory in 2001. Hence, it's prudent that the current team is not leaving any stone unturned in planning and preparing for one of the toughest challenges. 

"You've got to be able to adapt to the conditions that are put in front of you. In the last 18 years, we haven't done that so well over here. We're looking at what's going to be the best mix of players to win Test cricket in England."

"It's going to be a fascinating week or so and there's some real opportunities for guys in this week. Certainly, something we've looked at is the style of play, style of players and a number of different things that we think can help us win in these conditions," Paine concluded. 

The first Test will be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham. 

(Inputs from CricketNext)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 22 Jul, 2019

    Share Via