When Carey became the eighth wicket to fall, Australia still needed 54 in the run chase of 281. But skipper Pat Cummins’ (44 not out) and Nathan Lyon’s (16 not out) snatched victory from the jaws of defeat for the visitors at Edgbaston on Tuesday (June 20).
While Australia clinched a two-wicket win, Paine said that he almost gave up on his team with just two wickets in hand, but was full of praise for the experienced duo to make it a great Test match to watch in the end.
“At 4 am (Australia time) I must admit, when Alex Carey got out and Nathan Lyon strolled to the crease, I contemplated going to bed because I didn’t want to have to watch the English win,” Paine told ‘Sen Radio’ on Wednesday (June 21).
“But gee, what a partnership, it was two experienced, hardened cricketers, two absolute winners. It was an amazing partnership and a great Test match to watch made even better by the fact that we’re on the right side of it for once.” He felt Australia will get better as the series progresses.
Paine also added that it would be advantage Australia during the Ashes 2023 as they can play at “different tempos”, while England only know how to play “really hard”
“They (Australia) can play at different tempos, they can play different scenarios and I think their game will stand up in different conditions. England, we know are going to go one way, they’re going to go really hard,” Paine added.
“I think from what I’ve seen earlier and what I thought going into the series, I think that’s where Australia have got the advantage.”
Paine said he had exchanged text messages post the opening Ashes Test victory with Cummins and the skipper sounded thrilled.
“I actually spoke to Cummins on text yesterday (Tuesday). He said, ‘We’ve got one back for us’, yeah look, it was nice sitting on my couch. I think Australia as the series will go on will get better and better,” the former skipper said.
“I think there was some clear strategy from both sides, whether it’s attack or defence when a Test match goes for five days, you’ve got to be able to do both. With a series that goes for five Test matches, you’re going to have to do both.”
The longstanding rivals, England and Australia will resume the five-match Ashes series on June 28 at the Home of Cricket – Lord’s in London, which plays host to the second Test.
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