PAINE’S TO FIX IT
TIM’S MISSION TO CLEAN UP AUSSIE CRICKET
TEST captain Tim Paine won’t be daunted by the magnitude of the task of winning back the trust of the Australian public and is instead excited by the opportunity thrust upon him.
Paine was appointed the country’s 46th Test skipper amid the fallout over the South African ball-tampering scandal last month after which skipper Steve Smith, vice-captain David Warner and opener Cameron Bancroft were given long suspensions.
Paine, 33, who just a year ago was on the verge of walking away from the game to accept a job at Kookaburra after a season on the outer with Tasmania, has been given the job of leading the revival by Cricket Australia.
And the primary challenge of restoring faith with fans, which was eroded by the team’s toxic culture, and creating a new era is one the gloveman will not shy from.
“From the bad situation we have been through, the silver lining is we get a bit of a clean slate and it is really exciting to be part of that,” Paine said in Hobart yesterday.
“A lot of the players had their heads around the fact we needed to change the way we play and some of those conversations were already being had.
“I now have a role to play, I’m really looking forward to playing that and winning back the trust and respect of our fans and the Australian public first and foremost.
“I’m not an overly vocal captain, but I like to think I will lead by example. We have this really exciting opportunity to change a little bit the way we play and a cultural thing.
“I will just be one part of this new leadership group.”
Paine’s rise to the top job in Australian cricket is a remarkable turnaround from early last year when he was pondering his future under the old Cricket Tasmania regime.
But a conversation with new CEO Nick Cummins and coach Adam Griffith confirmed he was a wanted — and required — player.
“Nick and I had a chuckle when the Ashes team was named, I was that close to not playing cricket,” Paine said.
“I’m certainly very thankful for the faith him and ‘Griff’ showed in me, being so close to not doing what I love doing and now being in the position I am makes me cherish it even more.
“For someone who hasn’t played at the international level for eight or nine years, it has probably made me really cherish the opportunity I have as a player and, now as a captain, it is even more special.”
With the CA board to meet today, and Darren Lehmann’s replacement as coach set to be a big topic of discussion, Paine endorsed Justin Langer, but also declared plenty of candidates could fill the position.
“I’m sure Justin would do a terrific job. We are lucky in Australia that we have a number of people who could step up and do the role,” he said.
“Whoever does end up being the Australian cricket coach will do a fantastic job.”