Published: Jan 02, 2013, 04:31 PM (IST)
Edited: Jan 02, 2013, 04:31 PM (IST)
Tim Paine last played for Australia in the ODI series in Bangaldesh in April 2011 © Getty Images
Sydney: Jan 2, 2013
Wicketkeeper Tim Paine believes he is ready to be drafted into Australia’s ODI side on rotation policy after discovering his form.
Paine made his highest score after his comeback following a finger injury more than two years ago when he smashed an unbeaten 74 off just 57 deliveries for Hobart Hurricanes.
Many doubted if Paine would ever return after suffering an injury that kept him out for long and required multiple operations.
After struggling towards the end of 2012, he has slowly turned his form around in the Big Bash League. His form could not have been better timed as speculations mounts that Australian keeper Matthew Wade could be rested for some of the ODIs against Sri Lanka and West Indies.
“It would be nice if I get an opportunity anyway – I’m not too fussed,” Paine told reporters at Bellerive, as per an AAP report published in the Sydney Morning Herald.
“I think if I get another chance, what’s happened in the past is all out the window. It’s a fresh start so that would be something that I’d certainly be looking forward to.”
Paine’s confidence of making an International comeback was boosted when selectors picked him in the Australia A side that played against South Africa in November. He responded well and scored an unbeaten 60 and believes he can push for Australian selection again.
“When that will be I’m not too sure,” he said.
“Once I’m really up and firing, I think my wicket keeping will stand out against some other guys that I’m up against. It’s just a matter of getting runs on the board and I think [Tuesday night] was a good start.”
