We have to improve our behaviour, admits Tim Paine

Australia have been under-fire over the last 10 days and most of theirs have been criticized and the issue went out of the way with all the ball-tampering scandal breaking out. After Steve Smith, David Warner, and Cameron Bancroft were banned, the Aussies were not their usual self in the fourth and final Test match and were very quiet on the field and didn't involve themselves in any kind of banter. Stand-in captain Tim Paine admitted that they need to change their behaviour so as to gain the respect from their countrymen. 

“We have potentially had our heads in the sand over the last 12 months that if we continue to win we can act and behave how we like and the Australian public will be OK with that. We have found out in the last month that the Australian public don’t like the way we go about it, so it is pretty simple, we have to improve our behaviour,” Tim Paine said in the press conference after the game, reported ESPN Cricinfo. 

The Australian team did change their method and style of play in the fourth Test, but they are in search to find the balance between sledging and respecting the opposition. There is also been a lot of talk about the ‘line’ that should not be crossed. And Paine admitted that the new coach will try to sort that issue first.  

“It was evident in this match that we have changed somewhat and that will continue to happen. We’ve got a new coach coming in at some stage and he will have a huge say on how that is. We have to find the fine line between being really respectful of the opposition and also being at a level that is really competitive, as you should be in test cricket. It is going to be a different style than a lot of the guys are used to, but I think we will find it pretty quickly,” Paine added. 

With senior players like Smith and Warner will remain out of action for quite some time now, it has indeed given a chance for new players to prove their worth while donning the whites. They will also have a new coach as Darren Lehmann has announced that he would step down from the post of the head coach now.  

“It’s an exciting time, we are going to have a new coach and a new brand and culture. With the guys being out at the moment, there is also a chance for others to step up and play an extended period of test cricket. There are lots of positives and messages that we can take out of it (the series) and it’ll be good to get home, have a rest and think about it,” the 33-year-old wicket-keeper further said. 

Australia’s next assignment is a limited-overs tour to England in June after their players' participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL).