Tim Paine criticized Ben Stokes’ motivational speech to the England team, calling it out of context. Paine labeled England as a below-average Test side, citing their recent performances and current rankings as evidence.
The IPL concluded with the Kolkata Knight Riders emerging victorious, and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup saw a glorious triumph by India over South Africa. With these significant tournaments wrapped up, many of cricket’s biggest names are taking a well-deserved break.
As a result, the cricket world is currently in a lull, leaving fans feeling bored and longing for more action.
Tim Paine has taken up the responsibility of entertaining the audience despite taking a metaphorical “flying arrow in his back.” He responded to a clip from a documentary about the 2023 Ashes series, in which Ben Stokes is seen trying to motivate his team with grand statements. However, Tim Paine took issue with the English captain’s words in the video.
In the ECB-released documentary, Ben Stokes is seen motivating his team after the disappointment of not securing an outright result in Manchester. Stokes says, “Everything we have done up until now is not going to stop because we have not managed to win the urn back.” He continues, “The reward for our work isn’t what we get, but what we become.”
Stokes then adds, “And what we have managed to do is, we have managed to become a sports team that will live forever in the memory of people who were lucky enough to witness us play cricket.”
Tim Pain Criticizes Ben Stokes
Australian cricketer Tim Pain does not agree with whatever Ben said in the clip. Pain criticizes both the England Cricket Team and Stokes saying that they need to get their head around a little bit.
“I think it was taken slightly out of context because he was talking in a changing room, and it was a bigger speech, so I will say that,” Tim Paine told SEN Tassie Breakfast.
“However, it’s just this continued belief that they’re completely changing the game and doing this amazing stuff, and everyone’s going to remember it—they’re not. You are coming dead last in the World Test Championship. You’re not going to be a team that everyone remembers watching, and you are not doing anything outrageously good that we haven’t seen before. You’re an average cricket team. Actually, you are at the moment, a below-average cricket team and I think they need to get their head around that a little bit,” Paine added.
Ashes Series
Such heated moments and speeches are common when it comes to the Ashes series. Australia and England are arch-rivals in Test cricket, largely due to this historic series. The Ashes is as popular as the ICC World Cup despite being contested exclusively between these two nations.
Key Highlights of Ashes
The Origin (1882)
The Ashes began after Australia’s victory at The Oval in 1882. A British newspaper published a mock obituary for English cricket, claiming that “the body will be cremated and the ashes taken to Australia.” This led to the creation of the Ashes series when England captain Ivo Bligh vowed to reclaim the ashes.
Bodyline Series (1932-1933)
England’s controversial “Bodyline” tactics were designed to counter the dominance of Australian batsman Don Bradman. England’s fast bowlers targeted the batsmen with short-pitched deliveries, causing significant tension and controversy.
Ian Botham’s Heroics (1981)
The 1981 series, famously known as “Botham’s Ashes,” saw Ian Botham deliver extraordinary performances. His match-winning innings of 149* at Headingley turned the series in England’s favor, leading them to an unexpected victory.
Shane Warne’s “Ball of the Century” (1993)
Australian leg-spinner Shane Warne bowled what is often called the “Ball of the Century” to dismiss England’s Mike Gatting. The delivery, which pitched outside leg stump and spun sharply to hit the off stump.
Ben Stokes’ Miracle at Headingley (2019)
Ben Stokes played one of the greatest Test innings ever, scoring an unbeaten 135 to win. This remarkable comeback kept the 2019 Ashes series alive.
These highlights underscore the enduring drama and excitement of the Ashes series.
Also read: IND W vs SA W: Indian Bowlers Dismantle South Africa in Third T20
