Ashes: Tim Paine says Australia did not panic at Headingley but admits he made mistakes

Tim Paine has refuted Jofra Archer’s claim that Australia panicked as Ben Stokes led England to victory in Headingley – but admits that he made”mistakes” as the tourists spurned the opportunity to retain the Ashes.
Australia’d England nine wickets down with 73 runs needed from the third Test in Leeds but a combination of Stokes’ brilliant 135 not out, a dropped catch, a failed run out and wasted testimonials observed the hosts pull off a remarkable win and keep the show alive.
Wondering if Australia had choked, skipper Paine, speaking before the fourth Test at Old Trafford, said:”No. I’ve addressed it previously. Jofra is entitled to his view – he has had plenty.
“We made some mistakes, it happens – we have addressed this as a team and spoken about it honestly. I was among those folks who made mistakes, I would have done a few things differently.
“There were times, looking back , at which it was evident I should have had up the field and allowed Ben to hit a few bounds so we had more balls in the tailender (Jack Leach).
“That is the most important thing I’d have done differently. It happens in cricket and we have moved on, learnt by it, and we’re ready for yet another excellent Test match.”
After he picked up seven wickets in the innings a week thrashing of Derbyshire, australia can hand fast Mitchell Starc his first look of the show.
Starc appears to be obsessed with James Pattinson rested with Peter Siddle for the closing place alongside Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood also is at a squad.
Usman Khawaja was axed, however, after averaging 20.33 in the No 3 berth at the show so far, with a top rating of 40.
About Starc’s chances of playing in Manchester, Paine said:”They’re good. He is therefore he’s close. We’ll have another look at the wicket – it looks pretty dry and it has a little pace.
“Starcy bowled superbly last week at Derby. He has been working on getting his span , hard and we were very impressed.
“We know what he can do to tail-end batters when he cranks up it. The boys have been calling ‘the mop’ for a couple of decades now.
“He is a great choice for us. We think this wicket might suit him , if we make that call, we’re sure he’ll do a excellent job.”
Paine added on Khawaja being the guy to miss out with Steve Smith fit to return after a concussion. “Usman is a key player but he has not scored the runs that he or we’d like.
“With Smith coming back it was a tough choice to create Usman.
“We think he’s got a great deal of cricket left in him. He’s had a very good Test record over his career and we hope that he will bounce back very closely.”
Watch day one of this Ashes Test reside on Sky Sports The Ashes and Sky Sports Main Event in 10am on Wednesday.
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