Scott Morrison's surprise texts during $200m Ashes debacle

Australia Test captain Tim Paine has revealed Prime Minister Scott Morrison messaged him regarding the issues that faced the Ashes Tour.

Earlier this week, England's players reportedly agreed to tour Australia in a move that will green-light the $200 million series.

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England's cricketers spoke with Cricket Australia (CA) bosses again on Tuesday evening, to thrash out their concerns over strict COVID-19 protocols.

Players have been given until the end of this week to make a decision by England authorities, with the team only set to tour if an adequate number of front-liner players agree to travel.

Before the deal was struck, Morrison hit back at English Prime Minister Boris Johnson and said no special deal would be made for the touring players and their families.

However, Paine has revealed Morrison was in touch about the Ashes negotiations.

Paine also confirmed on Friday he too had heard England captain Joe Root had agreed to tour, after Morrison also reached out to him about the issue.

"I've had a little bit of contact with (Scott Morrison) but I have over my period as Test captain," Paine told his SEN Hobart show.

"He always touches base to see how it's going.

"He was keen to find out what the sticking points might have been from a players' perspective."

Tim Paine hits back at Ashes critics

Last week, Paine made a point to claim the Ashes would be going ahead on December 8 with or without his opposition captain.

This prompted former England captain Nasser Hussain to criticise Australia's captain this week for a lack of empathy.

Hussain echoed the majority of the critics and pointed out that England had played 18 Tests during the pandemic compared to Australia's four.

Paine since responded and said he expected some criticism with his comments.

"I'd like a bit of accuracy about it," Paine said.

"I certainly didn't hear any lecturing around quarantine as Nasser Hussain put it.

"Spouting nonsense I think was (former England batsman) Rob Key.

"I thought I played it pretty much with a straight bat. Gave some facts. But it comes with the territory when you play against England."

with AAP

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