Paine expects ‘really strong’ England side for Ashes

AFP, Sydney :
Australia Test captain Tim Paine said Friday he expects a “really strong” England side to commit to the Ashes, revealing he had been in touch with Prime Minister Scott Morrison about the series.
Paine ruffled feathers in England a week ago when he insisted all five Tests would go ahead with or without opposite number Joe Root, who has yet to commit over concerns around coronavirus quarantine rules.
The England Cricket Board was due to meet this week, and Paine said the feedback he had received was positive and he expected most players to tour, including Root.
“Positive news is that I’m hearing a lot of their players will commit,” he said on SEN sports radio, where he has a regular weekly segment.