It hurts, deal with it, move on: Tim Paine after Headingley loss
HEADINGLEY: Tim Paine, the Australia captain, said his team would shift their focus to the next Test as soon as possible, instead of “sulking” over the heartbreaking one-wicket loss to England at Headingley on Sunday, August 25.
“We turn up to Manchester or our next training session in a much better frame of mind, rather than have guys sulking or whatever you want to call it,” said Tim Paine, after Ben Stokes’ heroics helped England snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
“It hurts, deal with it, move on.” Australia started the fourth day on a good note, with David Warner claiming a brilliant diving catch to send back Joe Root for 77.
Stokes ensured there was no collapse thereafter, stitching together a crucial 86-run stand with Jonny Bairstow.
But Bairstow’s dismissal sparked a collapse as England were reduced from 245/5 to 286/9 with 73 more required to win the Test – anything less than victory for England would have meant Australia retained the Ashes.
However, with No.11 Jack Leach for company, Stokes powered through to 135* to win England an absolute classic.
Australia had their chances. Their ace spinner, Nathan Lyon, missed a seemingly chance to run out Leach, which would have sealed a one-run win for Australia. Before that, Marcus Harris also spilled a difficult chance at third man off Stokes.
Right after the loss, Paine ran towards Lyon. “[I said to him that] if our players see him dealing with it really quickly and moving on, then our younger players are going to do the same thing,” revealed Tim Paine.
“Gazza is obviously extremely disappointed, but no one’s perfect. People make mistakes.
The important thing is that when it happens, you hold your head up, you stick together as a team, and walk off together.
“Those losses hurt and you are allowed to show that but ... (if ) you let things drag on and you get caught up in the emotion, it is just wasted energy.”
Australia will now play a tour game against Derbyshire before heading to Manchester for the fourth Test, starting on 4 September.