Tim Paine: I’m not sure they have got the depth to go with us

Ex-Australia Test skipper Tim Paine reckons England lack the depth to go toe to toe with Pat Cummins and Co in the ongoing Ashes series, adding that the visitors will only get better with every game. Australia notched up a thrilling two-wicket win over England on Edgbaston pitch in the opener to take 1-0 lead.

Tim Paine said on SEN Radio –

“I think the Aussies played ok in the first Test, I think we’ve got a lot of improvement in us. I’m not sure the Poms have got the depth to go with us. We heard pre-series that they wanted hard and flat wickets. They got that in the first Test and it didn’t quite pan out.”

According to Paine – The loss in Birmingham has seemingly forced the host to change their game plan as a green wicket has been prepared for the second Test at Lord’s.

Tim added – “If you look at tonight’s pitch, it looks like everyone’s backyard in Australia, so it’s going to be interesting. They’re obviously trying to bring (Stuart) Broad and (James) Anderson back into the Test match. They didn’t have much of an impact (in Birmingham).”

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Tim Paine further stated –

“They’re very reliant on Joe Root, their top three is pretty suspect and on a green wicket, whilst it will bring Broad and Anderson back into the contest, I think their batters are going to find it extremely difficult.”