Tim Paine: Stokes and England make some funky fields and all of a sudden it’s genius

Australia registered a solid victory in the first Ashes Test, beating England by two wickets at Edgbaston on Tuesday. AUS skipper Pat Cummins bailed the side out of a tricky spot, forging an unbeaten 55-run stand alongside Nathan Lyon to steer the visitors home to a memorable win.

Know what Tim said –

Despite the win, there were debates over the approach from both the sides; while England were aggressive right from the start, many fans and former cricketers believed that Cummins was a little defensive – particularly with his captaincy decisions. However, Ex-AUS skipper Tim Paine – who has led Cummins in the past – brushed off such opinions.

Tim said on SEN podcast – “I thought it was pretty much as I expected to be honest. I think Australia were always going to set slightly what you can call defensive fields if you like. I think they were no different really to Ben Stokes.”

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Tim Paine further said –

“Ben Stokes and England make some funky fields and all of a sudden it’s genius. Australia put a couple of people on the fence and all of a sudden it’s defensive. I think there were some clear strategies from both sides, whether it was attack or defense.”