Afghanistan Test "really important" from Ashes preparation point of view, feels Paine

Australia are slated to host Afghanistan for a Test for the first time at Hobart from Nov. 27 before taking on England in the Ashes starting in December. The Australians will start their Ashes defense at the Gabba in Brisbane from Dec 8-12 and, after a three-day break, continue with a day-night Test in Adelaide. 

For Hobart boy Tim Paine, this is a matter of pride to welcome Afghanistan to the Blundstone Arena while having ideal preparation for the all-important series ahead.

"It will be a very proud moment for me to lead the Australian Test side out here," Paine told reporters in Hobart today. "From a preparation point of view, it's going to be a really important Test to set us up for the Ashes. 

"And Afghanistan have got some highly-talented spinners in particular that will create us a real challenge. Any Test match we play we want our full-strength side and it's not always possible these days but fingers crossed we can make it happen."

The Afghans have had three wins and three losses in its six Test matches since becoming a full member of the International Cricket Council in 2018. The Test series will come after the ICC's T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to be played in India in October and November but is likely to be shifted to the United Arab Emirates because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Tests will be followed by limited-overs series against New Zealand and Sri Lanka.