Australia Test captain Tim Paine has responded to Shane Warne 's scathing criticism of the current side and his captaincy.
Speaking ahead of the Ashes, Warne told Fox Cricket's 'World Cup Live' that there are "a lot of gaps" in the Australian side and that "no one fears Australia anymore".
He also spoke of his concern about the form of key players like David Warner, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, before singling out Paine for criticism.
Warne said: "Our fast bowlers – Pat Cummins looks short of a gallop and we know he’s going to come good because he’s world class. But Starc’s nowhere, [Josh] Hazlewood’s bowling well.
"But apart from that, we’ve got [David] Warner not making a run. Who’s he going to open with?
"[Marnus] Labuschagne and [Steve] Smith at three and four, but who’s going to bat five? [Cameron] Green is still a young player that looks pretty good.
"Paine, he’s had a shocker the last couple of years as captain, tactically he’s been very poor, lost the last two series and can’t make a run.
"Our side’s not as great, this ‘almighty Australia’. But here’s the big thing: No one fears Australia anymore.
Speaking on SEN Hobart, Paine responded to Warne, saying: "I will bite my tongue, I’ve got some things I need to concentrate on first.
"What I will say though is 'Warney' is obviously very opinionated and he’s happy to give his opinion.
"You guys are sitting in there now in the media and his job is to critique … I’ve worked in commentary in cricket, and I’ve worked on radio with you guys.
"Sometimes you need to give your opinion that people don’t like and might not necessarily agree with, but at the end of the day that’s his opinion and we’ll let him have it for now."
