Paine remains in the frame

PRESSURE continues to mount on Matthew Wade, after Tim Paine left CA XI camp to rejoin the Tasmanian squad for today’s MCG Sheffield Shield clash.

Paine is fresh from scoring a classy half-century for the CA XI in the tour match against England, but instead of heading on with that squad to Townsville, he has flown into Melbourne to prepare for a potential shield recall against Victoria.

There are three possible options awaiting Paine: he could be dramatically reinstated as keeper in place of Wade, he could be returned as a specialist batsman, or he may be left out of the 13-man squad and sent back to the CA XI in the far north for Wednesday’s second and final pre-Ashes tour match against England.

Wade’s bid to save his place in the Test side appears in strife, but the fact the lefthander is still facing fierce competition for his spot behind the stumps at state level is an intriguing side story in the hunt for Australia’s Ashes keeper.

CA XI has glovemen on standby to come into their squad if Paine is confirmed in Tasmania’s side. Tasmania has maintained all along that Wade would have first crack at keeping duties leading into the first Test, because he is owed that as the incumbent.

However, if selectors decide they are moving in a different direction, that pecking order could potentially change.

Peter Nevill has a chance to boost his Test recall chances when NSW takes on Queensland in Brisbane.

Paine has not played a shield match all year and kept in only three games last season, but if he was returned to face Victoria, on the eve of first Test selection, it would at least provide an interesting late twist in the keeping race.

As the incumbent Twenty20 international keeper, Paine was understood to be on the radar for selectors leading into the home summer, with the only problem being how to give him a run with Wade moving home to Tasmania. However, the real question if Paine returns for Tasmania, is what does that mean for Wade?

Wade, 29, has played 22 Tests and 94 one-dayers for Australia, but is a man at the crossroads of his career.

Meanwhile, Test No.6 hopeful Marcus Stoinis returns to the WA squad for the clash against South Australia in Perth after taking leave last week to be with his sick father.