Aussies win second Test against Sri Lanka in Canberra to sweep series
Australian skipper Tim Paine has declared Steve Smith and David Warner Ashes certainties as he laid bare the depths of his burning desire to bring home the urn.
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Australian skipper Tim Paine has declared Steve Smith and David Warner Ashes certainties as he laid bare the depths of his burning desire to bring home the urn.
As Australia basked in the glory of a series clean-sweep over Sri Lanka, the steely-eyed captain revealed how he’s been obsessing over the Ashes for the past six months to the point he has been dreaming about the epic showdown in his sleep.
Four Australians made centuries in the rampant series triumph in Canberra, but Paine’s emphatic confirmation that Smith and Warner have been penciled in as Ashes locks has officially put the squeeze on for seats on the England Express.
Ten-wicket hauls to Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins against Sri Lanka underlined the potency of Australia’s fast bowling prowess.
It had become increasingly clear over the course of the summer that the country’s highest profile cricketing duo would be welcomed back from their bans, and Paine’s endorsement of Smith and Warner as Ashes lynchpins has sent England a clear message that Australia finally feels it has its house in order.
“I think everyone has to a degree got to earn their stripes. I think those two have plenty of runs in the bank,” said Paine.
“I see us going to the Ashes and them having a huge part in us winning the series.
“That’s how I see how important they are to this team.
“We know how good they are.
“Hopefully once their bans are up they’ll be welcomed back and they’ll win Test matches like they did beforehand.
"The way that we played in these last two Tests matches - I think we can beat anyone in the world."
Over the next six months Australia’s Ashes hopefuls will climb back into Sheffield Shield cricket, be exposed to English conditions for Australia A, and a few will be unleashed on the big stage at the one-day World Cup.
Paine has emerged as a Statesman this summer and his revelation that he began his Ashes preparations six months ago serves as an inspirational rally cry for an Australian side that’s back looking the world in the eye.
“I’ve been dreaming about it actually. I’m happy now that we’ve got this out of the way I can put everything into it,” said Paine.
“I can’t wait to go and play an Ashes series and particularly in England.
“It’s something that I’ve certainly dreamed of as a kid. I didn’t think I’d be going over as the captain, but in the back of my mind I’ve been thinking about it.
“I’ve been watching England, keeping a really close eye on them, and I can’t wait to get over there.”
Marcus Harris has been the only batsman to loosen his grip on an Ashes berth with his performances against Sri Lanka.
Every other top six hopeful has bedded down emphatic claims to ensure outside hopes like Matt Renshaw, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh and Will Pucovski will have to bash the door down in any first-class chance they get.
In the case of the Marsh brothers, that may be none as they prepare to be key pillars in Australia’s World Cup defence.
Paine said he had a fair idea of what Australia’s Ashes squad would be and spruiked the way the side has gradually built up its depth this summer.
The skipper admits he was flattened by the disappointment of butchering a chance against India in the key part of the summer, but says the performances of Starc and Usman Khawaja have served as a major confidence-boost to his young crew of Ashes hopefuls.
“For the younger guys to see them go through a really tough period, not throw in the towel and keep working away and get the results they did in this Test was a really good lesson in perseverance. I know a lot of the young guys will really learn a lot from that,” said Paine.
“We’re building a real depth around Australian cricket, which is great.”
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