We won't stay silent on the field, says Tim Paine ahead of the England ODI series

Australia are all set to embark on their first tour after the ball-tampering scandal in March during the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town. They are in England currently to play the five-match ODI series and a solitary T20I which will commence on June 13 in London. All the focus will be on the visitors who are depleted and their behaviour during the tour will be under the scanner. However, the skipper Tim Paine has cleared that they won’t be afraid of giving it back on the field but will never cross the line and abuse the opposition.

The infamous incident was one of the lowest points in the history of the Australian cricket as the culture within the team over the years was also scrutinised by many. Moreover, two of their best players, Steve Smith and David Warner, were banned for 1 year with immediate effect. The coach Darren Lehmann also stepped down from the helm as Justin Langer has been given the tough task of building a team ahead of the World Cup next year.

We know what’s right

This England tour will be a stern test of the patience for the players of the visitors as the fans will definitely taunt them during the course of the matches. Even the cricketers might have a go at them over the ball-tampering scandal on the field. Tim Paine realises the same and has cleared the air by saying that they will give it back if needed on the field. However, he was quick to mention that they will respect the opposition and are aware of the difference between abuse and banter.

“We want to be more respectful in the way we go about it. We don’t think we’re going to change the way we play in a really competitive spirit. Certainly, we’re not going to be silent out on the field, we’re going to be speaking…. But there’s got to be a respectful element to it. We know what’s right and we know what’s wrong,” Paine was quoted as saying by Indian Express on Thursday.

Australia will begin their tour on June 7 with a tour game against Sussex and will also face Middlesex on Saturday before the actual series begins next week.

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