Langer backs in skipper

”... what a story he’ll have”

COACH Justin Langer says the Tim Paine era is nowhere near finished as Australia’s Test captain yesterday owned up to the worst day he has endured in the job.

Earlier in the series, Langer declared there were many more chapters to be written in the book of Paine, which he said would go down in history as a bestseller.

“All the great Australian captains have a story,” Langer said.

“Whether it’s Allan Border, Richie Benaud, Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting or Ian Chappell. They all have a story and Tim Paine – what a story he’ll have to tell one day.

“I don’t think the story is over, either. He’s so fit and healthy, his energy … I literally love working with him.”

Paine, 36, lost his cool and dropped three catches on Monday as he opened his mouth and snatched his hands.

It was the first time Paine had put down more than one catch in an innings since returning to Test cricket in 2017. But as fresh doubts were cast over Paine’s longevity, he quickly attributed the fumbles to his tense mood rather than a technical flaw. Paine is at the peak of his powers and has not considered retirement.

“I was distracted by the other stuff and a little bit agitated and grumpy at times,” Paine said yesterday.

“The best version of Tim Paine wicketkeeping and captaining is someone who’s got a smile on his face, someone who is enjoying the game and when I’m like that, I’m a very good wicketkeeper.

“If you pretend ( Monday) was OK and my behaviour was OK and my wicketkeeping was OK then you’ve got a problem.

“But I feel like I’m actually getting better as a cricketer. I’ve played my best cricket in the past six months.”

Paine has repeatedly said he will “reassess” his career after every series, although he is also openly targeting leading Australia at this year’s inaugural World Test championship at Lord’s, should it qualify. The next assignment after that would be to again retain the urn when England tours for next summer’s Ashes series.

“At 36 I wouldn’t say I’d be in it for the long haul but I feel like I’ve got a bit of cricket left,” Paine said.