Tim Paine has responded to England paceman Jimmy Anderson’s comments, saying the Australians should “keep it respectable” ahead of the upcoming Ashes series.
In response to reports England players were considering not joining the tour because of quarantine issues, Paine had said “no one is forcing them” and “if you don’t want to come, don’t come,” in recent weeks.
The tourists announced their squad earlier in October, with star all-rounder Ben Stokes unavailable due to a finger injury and mental health issues.
Anderson hinted to the UK’s Daily Telegraph that he felt Paine’s comments had crossed the line.
“It is dangerous to start talking like that, especially when we already have one player missing because he is looking after his mental health,” Anderson said in response to the Australian captain.
However, Paine has responded to Anderson’s comments and insists the England fast bowler had misinterpreted what was said.
“We’ve been over this enough, I know what I said, we know what was said and they can build it up as whatever they like but I’m not going to get stuck into that side of it,” Paine told *SEN Hobart.
“Obviously, that is a very, very serious issue and one that I certainly take seriously.
“I know in Australian cricket we’ve had plenty of our own issues, and a lot of sportsmen around the world have had issues with that, so I’m not going to get into that except to say that’s clearly an issue that I completely respect.
“I have a lot of time for people that are struggling with that side of life … that certainly wasn’t what we were talking about.”
The Ashes is due to begin on December 8 in Brisbane.