Tim Paine unsure of future as Australia’s Test captain

Tim Paine has claimed that the current Australian summer involving matches against Pakistan and New Zealand might be the last time that he leads the Test side at home. The wicketkeeper-batsman was appointed the Test skipper after Steve Smith was banned for a year from international cricket after a ball-tampering saga. But with Smith making a triumphant return for Australia, discussions have again gathered steam on reinstating him as the captain.

Paine has done reasonably well as the captain, with Australia retaining the Ashes in England under his leadership. But at the age of 34, Paine is unsure whether he will get to lead Australia at home beyond the 2019-20 summer. Speaking to the media ahead of the first Test against Pakistan, Paine said:

“It might be (my last summer), I’m not too sure. But… I’m enjoying doing it. I feel good physically (and) mentally. So while that continues, I’m scoring enough runs and keeping well enough then I’d like to continue. I know when you get to my age that can change really quickly. I’m really looking forward to this summer, beyond that I haven’t looked too far. I know what I want to do and what I want to achieve.”

Paine also stressed on the demands placed upon his shoulders. Being the wicketkeeper of a side in Test cricket is a demanding job itself. The additional responsibility of leading the side now seems to be taking its toll on Paine.

“I think when you’re the Australian captain and the Australian keeper, they’re two of the most critiqued roles in Australian sport and at the moment I have to hold them both. I know I’m going to be in the crosshairs for people all the time.”

Paine finally stated that the endgame for Australia to regain the No.1 spot in the Test rankings. For that to happen, winning in India would be the ultimate challenge.

“Our goal is to get back to that number one ranking and we want to win that Test Championship. To do that we’re going to have to be good enough to win in India and we’re going to have to be good enough to beat everyone, everywhere. It’s the only way we’re going to get to where we want to get to. It’s an exciting period and I’m looking forward to being part of the start of that and there is no end point at the moment.”

Australia’s first match against Pakistan will begin in Brisbane on 21st November. The second Test will be held in Adelaide from 29th November.