Test skipper looks for any edge over India
THE importance of Australia’s Twenty20 side continuing to get the better of India ahead of next month’s Test series opener is not lost on Tim Paine.
Australia landed the first blow on the tourists in a nailbiting T20 clash at the Gabba on Wednesday night and the series is still at 1-0 after last night’s game was called off due to rain. While not part of the national white-ball teams, Test captain Paine is an interested onlooker and believes any momentum the T20 side can garner heading into Adelaide will be crucial.
“When you are on tour and whether it is white ball or red ball games and you are not winning, being away from home and losing isn’t all that enjoyable,” Paine said.
“It can get really difficult and it starts to build up.
“While it is slightly different teams, it is important for the momentum that the Twenty20 team keep knocking them off and keep their better players down. It will certainly help our Test player’s confidence and hopefully dent theirs a little bit as well.”
Set to embark on his first home series as skipper, Paine does not believe there is any extra pressure on his shoulders as the hosts look to keep their imposing record at home in tact.
“I felt like I was growing into the role while we were in Dubai and I’m really excited about being at home now and being Test captain for an Australian summer,” Paine said.
“It is again going to be a different challenge but something I am looking forward to.”