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Australian coach Justin Langer has been rocked in defense of former captain Tim Paine after making a secret visit to his former skipper in Tasmania on the eve of the first Test.
Langer, who has been in the media’s eye for harsh tactics with players at the start of the year, said: “There’s no one here asking questions or being on camera, not hearing or seeing this. They made a mistake in their lives.
“Not a single person – and our captain, one of the best – made a mistake, and he’s paying a high price.” Langer added that “society is unforgivable and truly shameful.”
The location of the fifth and final test in the series is not yet known, as Cricket Australia continues to negotiate with the Western Australian Government due to increased COVID restrictions in the State.
Stokes ’exploits of Headingley continue to be‘ nightmares ’
Langer admitted he still has “nightmares” about Ben Stokes ’2019 featings at Headingley, but said he was happy to see him again after a break from cricket.
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While Australia held the ashes two years ago, the highlight of the series was the heroes from around the world in England when they won a single wicket in the third test at Leeds.
With only one Wicket left and 73 races to go, Stokes took England to the most successful race of the Test, with a memorable 135 losing streak.
“He’s a great cricketer, there’s no doubt about it. I still have nightmares about his entry in that third test,” Langer said.
“I’ll probably have more nightmares on the third day of that game about his witchcraft. He’s an incredible athlete and a great competitor.”
Stokes took an indefinite break in July to recover from two surgeries focused on his mental health and a broken left index finger.
It was not clear at first whether he would travel to Australia, but he was on the plane in high hopes of recovering the Ashes of England.
“It’s great for Ben Stokes Ashes playing cricket, and we all love it,” Langer said.
“It’s an Australian summer and it probably wouldn’t be the same without the best players playing.”
“It’s a joy to see him and we hope his health is good. We welcome him here because he’s a superstar of the game,” he added.
(With contributions from AFP)
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