Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Football
Netball
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Paine: Ashes smoky that could wreak havoc on England
SEN • October 20th, 2025 12:35 pm
Beau Webster and Jake Weatherald will play roles in the Australia side for the Ashes series, according to Tim Paine who also named a smoky to wreak havoc on England.
The first test gets under way in Perth in little over three weeks’ time, but amid a series of injuries to some of Australia’s big names, all options are on the table when it comes to the starting XI.
Pat Cummins will sit out most if not all of the five-Test series against the old enemy as he struggles to recover from a back injury while Cam Green was ruled out of the ODIs series against India “as a precaution”.
Australia’s other all rounder Webster is also nursing an ankle issue but insists he will be ready for a call-up.
“Without saying too much, I think both Webster and Weatherald are in the frame,” Paine told SEN Tassie Breakfast. Both will play a role for Australia at some stage in the Ashes.
“Green’s bowling may be there, may not be. If its not, then Webster is an absolute certainty.
“If Green is bowling at 6 then maybe Weatherald is at the top instead of Beau at six. It’s exciting. They both deserve the opportunity.”
Given the aforementioned injuries, Paine is also hoping to see Riley Meredith in the mix for an Ashes appearance.
The 29-year-old made his international debut in 2021 for Australia’s T20 series against New Zealand but is yet to play a Test.
“With the bowling injuries we have I’ve not heard much of Riley Meredith’s name,” Paine continued. “This week he bowled 40 overs and took six wickets.
“If we’re looking for someone with air speed to make an impact in the Ashes, I wouldn’t be writing him off either.
“His body is up and going. He’s ready to go clearly. He can generate high 140s and do it for a long period.”
Former Australia Test captain, Paine is now head coach of Australia A.
His new role means he has spent a significant amount of time with Sam Konstas who has come under fire in recent months after a disappointing tour to the West Indies and below par start to the Sheffield Shield season.
He is confident Konstas will be a force to be reckoned with in years to come.
“He was over in India with us and he got a high quality 100 against an India A-side,” Paine said.
“He’s a super exciting talent, got a bit of aura about his. He’s just turn 20, he’s a gun player, he’s just figuring out his way in life let alone cricket.
“I hate to think what he’s going to be like when he’s 22-23, but it will be great to go alone for the journey that’s for sure.”
