I see the dual duty of wicketkeeping and captaincy as an advantage, says Tim Paine
Australia’s Test captain Tim Paine was kept away from his usual wicketkeeping duties during a three-day tour match against Worcestershire following their win in the Ashes opener at Edgbaston. Meanwhile, back-up wicketkeeper Matthew Wade donned the keeping gloves during the said game.
Paine played as a batsman and led the side as a fielder rather than carrying out the responsibilities of his usual role as a wicketkeeper in the drawn game. This move served a dual purpose – providing the Aussie skipper with some much-needed rest and getting Wade ready for the upcoming games in series.
However, the Aussie skipper has clarified that he didn’t enjoy the new role. “I didn’t really enjoy it, it was a bit boring,” Paine said when asked about his views of playing the role of a fielder.
Paine went on to say that unlike what people think of the dual role of a captain and wicketkeeper, it’s an advantage to lead a side from behind the stumps.
“People have said in the past that being a wicketkeeper and a captain might be a disadvantage. Now that I’ve done it a bit more, I see it as more of an advantage,” Paine remarked.
“I can see ball movement, see or feel when a bowler’s getting tired from the way he’s hitting my gloves and I can see exactly where a batsman is moving to, or what mark he’s batting on and stuff like that.
“So, I found it a little bit harder in this game, when you can’t see exactly what’s happening. You’re relying on other people’s information a lot. It was nice to have a bit of a spell from wicket-keeping but I’m looking forward to getting back behind,” said the 34-year-old Paine who found it difficult to lead the side being away from the stumps.
The 2nd Ashes Test is scheduled to start from August 14 at the Lord’s.
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