Fit again Brad Haddin may face a battle if he wants to walk back into the Australia Test side after missing much of this season with injury. Haddin has had a tough year with finger and elbow injuries and only returned to action for New South Wales this week. In Haddin’s absence Tim Paine has proved himself to be a very decent replacement behind the stumps, so much so that there has been growing calls down under for the 25 year old to keep his place for the opening Ashes Test starts at the end of next month.
Paine’s performances in India recently, were one of the few bright spots to come out of the recent series loss. The experience has given Paine some valuable Test experience as well as confidence, the keeper said, “I definitely feel a part of the team now and I feel comfortable when I come into the environment, which has probably helped.”
As well has proving to those looking at Ashes betting tips his quality glove-work, Paine also exhibited his talent with the bat, hitting an impressive 92 in the first Test against India before following that up with another good looking innings of 59 in the second Test. Both innings showed Paine has plenty of grit and determination in what was a hostile atmosphere as well as an impressive array of shots.
Paine’s form did impress his captain Ricky Ponting, who said the youngster looked “every bit a Test keeper.” Paine has also received the support of former Aussie keeper Rod Marsh, who has urged the selectors to stick with Paine over Haddin. The Aussie legend has pointed to Paine’s superior glove work as being more important to the team than Haddin’s explosive batting.
According to those placing a cricket bet regularly, it does look as though Paine will have to bide his time before pulling on the green baggy on a regular basis, with Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch confirming Haddin is still the number one choice behind the stumps. Paine will just have to be patient and wait for his chance again. At 32, Haddin won’t carry on forever and when he does hang up his gloves, Australia will have a quality replacement who can step up.
Filed under: Cricket Tagged: | Brad Haddin, cricket, Ricky Ponting, Rod Marsh, Tim Paine
