Reign Of Paine Must Be On Borrowed Time?

From the moment Tim Paine became Australia’s captain, it always felt like a temporary appointment. After the ball-tampering debacle, he was the logical band-aid solution. There wasn’t really anyone else to turn to.

- Tristan Lavalette

Australia had relied for so long on Steve Smith and David Warner that the cupboard was bare. And under the trying circumstances, he has done an outstanding job. Paine has helped bring credibility back to the team – no easy feat after the Newlands disaster.

He has struck the right balance between exuding sportsmanship – he quickly brought in pre-game handshakes between teams – while also still showcasing elements of Australia’s innate aggressiveness without going aboard.

His banter with the Indian team – particularly Rishabh Pant – during the Australian summer was the type of hard-edge approach that won him plenty of admirers back home. Adding a dose of cheeky humour – in that dry Australian style – helped too and resurfaced ahead of the Ashes with his blunt retort when asked about the intimidation of Edgbaston’s crowd.

Honestly, the Tasmanian’s most important task has been mostly offfield and presenting well in front of the media. He has done a more than admirable job. The 34-year-old – his boyish looks make him look far younger – has brought maturity back to the role, which has been refreshing for a team that before Cape Town had for too long been mired in histrionics and juvenile antics.

On the field has been trickier. He has been fine tactically – perhaps even better than his predecessor who wasn’t particularly sharp strategically. Of course, Paine’s horrendous use of the DRS – which may have cost them the third Test – has soured his perception.