Paine inspired by Churchill quote as Australia strive to stamp out old habits
Tim Paine invoked the spirit of Winston Churchill by insisting Australia will be judged on their on-field actions ahead of the first Ashes Test against England.
A quote of “behaviour doesn’t lie” from the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom may be apocryphal but the message was clear: Australia will not allow old habits to creep in.
The ball-tampering scandal last year led to a sea change in a number of areas, and since the Cape Town incident no Australian has been in breach of the International Cricket Council’s code of conduct.
Australia’s captain is convinced the pressures of a fivetest series against England, where the tourists are likely to be given a rough ride by a fervent Edgbaston crowd as they look to defend the urn, will change nothing. “We’re going to play competitive Test match cricket like any other nation does,” Paine, pictured, said. “Our guys understand what’s expected of them. They are role models not just for Australian people but all around the world.
“There’s been a quote hanging around the changing room this week from Winston Churchill and that’s that ‘behaviour doesn’t lie’. Brad Haddin [Australia’s fielding coach and former wicketkeeper] brought that up with me the other day in one of the chats we had and I quite liked it.
“We can talk all we like about how we’re going to behave, ultimately you guys will see how we behave and can judge for yourselves.
“We’ve also internally spoken about our behaviour and the way we’re going to be seen. I think it’s a great quote for us.”
As for whether he has settled on his XI, Paine added: “Yes, I have. But I don’t get the final say so we’ll have a team put out at the toss.”
The 34-year-old’s own place in the side would be the subject of speculation were he not skipper, with fellow gloveman Alex Carey surprisingly left out of the squad despite an encouraging World Cup campaign.
Asked whether he feels the need to justify his place, Paine responded: “No, not at all. I’m 34 years old, I don’t really care about my place in the side anymore.
“I’m here to do a job.” Sri Lanka wrapped up a 3-0 one-day international series whitewash against Bangladesh with a 122-run victory in Colombo.
Angelo Mathews (87) and Kusal Mendis (54) guided Sri Lanka to a commanding 294 for eight by putting on 101 for the fourth wicket.
Soumya Sarkar made 69 from 86 balls in reply but Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals.
Dasun Shanaka – who finished with figures of three for 27 – ripped through the middle order and Lahiru Kumara, with two for 26, mopped up the tail as Bangladesh were dismissed for 172 in 36 overs.