“They are very good at creating sideshows” – Tim Paine says Australians got distracted during Test series against India
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Tim Paine
Australian Test skipper Tim Paine spoke at a charity dinner about his tenure as a captain, future plans and India’s tour of Australia earlier this year, reflecting on a topsy-turvy year or so for him. The speech that the wicket-keeper batsman gave was reportedly received with thunderous applause, thanks to his honest opinions.
One of Paine’s key focuses in the speech was the series loss to India that tarnished his reputation as a captain as well as with regard to his temperament due to his on-field actions, especially one involving Ravichandran Ashwin. Australia’s loss was India’s gain as the series proved to be one of the most remarkable wins in Indian Test history due to the sheer unprecedentedness of it and the way a plethora of obstacles were overcome along the way.
India were down and out after the first Test match as they were bowled out for 36 and saw their skipper Virat Kohli leave the side on paternity leave. However, led by the calm Ajinkya Rahane, the young side braved injuries to overcome the humongous challenge and in some style at that, as they clinched the four-match series 2-1 with victory in the final Test at the Gabba.
Tim Paine on India’s off-field actions
Tim Paine commented on how the Indian team distracted the Australians during the tour by their actions off-the field such as refusing to travel to Brisbane due to quarantine restrictions. “Part of the challenge of playing against India is they’re very good at niggling you and trying to distract you with stuff that doesn’t really matter and there were times in that series where we fell for that,” Paine said, according to news.com.au.
“The classic example was when they said they weren’t going to the Gabba so we didn’t know where we were going. They’re very good at creating these sideshows and we took our eye off the ball,” he further said.
Paine also hinted at stepping down after the Ashes later this year and also spoke of how Steve Smith could be the perfect one to take over the role yet again. “I think so (Smith is a good choice for captain next). Obviously I don’t make that decision but the time I played with Steve as captain he was excellent. Certainly tactically he is as good as you get. But by the time I came in he was growing into that role and getting better and better. Then obviously South Africa events happened and he’s not doing it anymore. But yeah I would support him getting that job again,” Paine concluded.
The speech reportedly received a ‘rousing reception’ after Paine ended with his comments on India’s tour of Australia. The fact of the matter remains however that the win will be etched in cricketing folklore as one of India’s finest.
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Nevin Clinton
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