PAINE READY TO KEEP
AUSTRALIA did not contemplate giving recalled Tim Paine a Sheffield Shield tune-up behind the stumps because of an alleged separation of powers between the state and national selectors.
Tasmanian Paine faces the major challenge of playing in five Ashes Tests in seven weeks after keeping in just three Sheffield Shield matches in two seasons.
But national coach Darren Lehmann said the selectors did not consider instructing Tasmania to elevate him in place of the keeper he deposed at Test level, Matthew Wade, despite Tasmania recalling Paine as a batsman last week against Victoria.
“No … states pick their sides and we pick our sides,” Lehmann said.
“He ended up playing (for Tasmania) as a batter – got some runs, played really well. I was really impressed in the Adelaide game (for the Chairman’s XI) against England.
“We have watched him keep a fair bit with T20s and the Chairman’s game.
“It was really all the keepers going at it and whoever performed the best with the gloves. He is a high-quality keeper.”
While Australia’s selectors appeared to have bowed to protocol and decided not to instruct Tasmania to select Paine, it would make sense to change this policy.
The No.1 mandate for states these days is to produce Australian players.
If a player is on the verge of Australian selection in a role he is not fulfilling for his state, then the state should know about it so they can follow suit.
Earlier this season there were reports the Australian hierarchy was behind the Sheffield Shield axing of veteran NSW batsman Ed Cowan for Dan Hughes.
It has been reported there was some evidence of high- level influence during Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield match against Victoria, with suggestions Tasmania were urged to delay their second innings declaration while Paine batted on to be 71 not out at the close.
Lehmann confirmed Shaun Marsh would bat at No.6 despite suggestions his dressing room nerves would make him a better choice up the order.
“He is pretty calm now,” he said. “He has grown up a lot over the past couple of years.”
Australia is short an allrounder and Lehmann said captain Steve Smith would unleash his leg breaks at some point even though the captain seemed to have no great wish to return to the bowling crease.
“He will bowl at some stage. He has some wickets against England before.”
Lehmann offered encouragement for sacked opener Matt Renshaw.
“He is a very good young man. We did some work with him last week.
“He was unlucky to miss. It was a tough call.
“Cameron Bancroft just knocked the door down but I am sure he will be back.”
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