Tim Paine Targets Pietersen, Says Don't Influence Players

AUS Vs ENG: England players are upset because of Australia's quarantine rules. Tim Paine, however, has targeted Pietersen.

Tim Paine (File Photo)

AUS Vs ENG: The controversy that has stirred between England and Australia ahead of this year's Ashes series does not seem to stop. The England players are criticizing Australia for the strict quarantine rules. Australian Test captain Tim Paine has given a harsh reply to former England cricketer Kevin Pietersen.

Paine has asked Pietersen not to influence his country's players for the Ashes series in December this year. Pietersen took to Twitter to criticize the quarantine rules in Australia. 

Due to mental stress, England players want their family members to accompany them for the Ashes series. But given the stringent travel restrictions due to the corona pandemic, the Australian government is not in the favour of the move.

Paine has criticized Pietersen and said to leave the decision up to the players and not influence them to withdraw from the tour. Paine said, "Pietersen is an expert on everything and there is no doubt about it. If someone is talking to Pietersen, no one is forcing you to come, no one is forcing any of the England players to come. That's the beauty of the world we live in, you have an option, if you don't want to come, don't come."

Pietersen also replied Tim Paine saying, "To be fair to @tdpaine36, it is up to the players to make the decisions on The Ashes tour, not ex has-beens! Hopefully there’ll be a positive outcome over the weekend. The Ashes is the greatest rivalry & battle in Test match cricket - and we need Test Match cricket to survive"

England captain Joe Root also said he is eager to play in the Ashes but wanted clarity on the quarantine protocol before going on tour. Paine said whether Root or any other England player decides to come to Australia or not, the Ashes will continue.