Tim Paine Gives Update On His Future In The Australian Team

Tasmanian wicketkeeper-batsman and current Australian skipper in Tests, Tim Paine is fully focused on the upcoming challenge at hand against India. However, Paine has been having some discussions about his future. There have been talks with head coach Justin Langer and chairman of selector Trevor Hohns. He can surely play some good cricket, which has been seen over the years.

The 36-year old who was shockingly selected as captain after Steve Smith was removed from the position with the infamous ball-tampering scandal. Paine acknowledges that he isn’t a power-packed performer like his predecessor. However, he feels that he has done well in his role as a gloveman and a leader.

What Tim Paine Told TOI Via A Virtual Press Conference?

“We will have to wait and see. That is before we confirm anything. From the very first time I came back into this Test team when I was not captain, I would not look past another series. When you are still young, things can be taken away really quickly. That is what I know from experience.”

“The prime focus is currently just on the Adelaide game and nothing else. Then, it will be on Melbourne and so on, for the rest of the series. Post that, we will see. I have been having a conversation with Trevor Hohns and Justin Langer (JL) about when and how we might look into the future. However, right now, with a doubt, my eyes are firmly set on the series.”

The Tasmanian is without a century in 31 matches and has been pretty modest with the willow average around 30 plus. However the Australian skipper feels that he has performed his role that includes batting with the tail on multiple occasions.

What The 36-Year-Old Star Went On To Add

“To be honest, in terms of my captaincy, it has been okay. The fact is that I have a role to play in this group. Just like everyone else does. The thing is, as long as I am doing that, we are all happy. My job at present is to keep and captain. To add to that, need to score some handy runs with the tail. It is going for me pretty well.”

While a lot of cricketers have complained about staying in the bio bubble and the mental fatigue that comes with it but for Paine that isn’t something that is hampering his longevity.

What The Aussie Skipper Concluded By Saying?

Proving is maturity and practical nature Paine added how life can be worse than playing Test cricket, staying in a hub and eating great food. “There are a lot of worse things that you could be doing rather than playing Test cricket for your country, to be in a hub, staying in nice hotels and eating good food. So we are still very lucky, to be doing what we are doing.”

“There will obviously be a bit of fatigue for guys who has been doing it for months. It is up to guys like myself and few others who have not been there to drive the energy of this group.”

On a lighter note, the wicketkeeper shares how he is far away from his kids and that allows him to sleep soundly.

What He Went On To Say About The Bio Bubble And Lockdown?

“I am loving it. This hub that we are in as strict as it was in IPL or the one that was in England. For me, I am getting a good night’s sleep and the kids are at home. Although I miss them, I am sleeping well here and feel fresher.”

Coming back to Australia’s team composition for the first Test in Adelaide, Paine assures that Steve Smith’s early departure from training was due to stiff back. He added that a day’s rest will get him up and running. That’s some great cricket news for the fans. There will be a lot of expectations from this star batsman, with the Aussie opening already being a major problem.

Talking About His Team-Mate Steve Smith He Concluded By Saying

“We expect Steve to be there. He has had a stiff back a number of times before. You will have that if you bat as much as he does all the time in the nets. He has previously had a stiff back too. So it is not really new. It was more precautionary yesterday. Obviously, he should get through with the stiff back soon enough. Hopefully, he can find a way to score runs like he always does.”