Ashes 2021 | Tim Paine hopeful to play Sheffield Shield and Marsh Cup game ahead of the series

The wicket-keeper batsman underwent neck surgery in September which meant surgeons had to cut a hole in his throat to fix the bulging disc issue. He had a two-week rest before undergoing rehabilitation to ensure he is fit for the first Test of the five-match series. He has been slowly recovering from the neck issue. In a conversation with SEN Hobart, the Aussie revealed that he was due for another training session on Thursday, November 4, but aborted due to stiffness. 

"It's nothing to worry about, just a bit of stiffness having had a few months off. I've pulled up a bit sore. But yesterday was as I would train normally, so it's a really good sign that I got through that and I'm looking forward to playing a game of cricket in the coming weeks."

"Ideally, I'd like to play a club game, a 2nd XI game, a Shield game, and a one-dayer for Tassie in late November and then go up to Queensland," Paine said. "Potentially I'm getting two, three or four games of cricket in before that first Test which would be a really good result."  

The first Test will be played at The Gabba in Brisbane from December 8.