His Performances With Gloves And Bat Weren't Great - Shane Warne Feels Tim Paine Wouldn't Make Into Australia's XI For The Ashes

Shane Warne reckons Tim Paine won’t be able to make it into Australia‘s eleven for the upcoming Ashes series. The wicketkeeper-batsman stepped down as Australia’s Test captain on Friday, less than three weeks before the Ashes is set to commence, amid the emergence of the sexting scandal. However, he will remain available for selection.

Shane Warne feels that the selectors should now look beyond Paine, since he’s not the skipper anymore. The legendary leg-spinner pointed out that Matthew Wade, Alex Carey, and Josh Inglis are “more aggressive and better batting” alternatives available.

In his column for the Herald Sun, Shane Warne said, “It seemed that maybe his (Paine’s) time was up. His own performances with the gloves and bat weren’t great, we have Matthew Wade, Alex Carey, and Josh Inglis as more aggressive and better batting options at number seven. Plus the team wasn’t winning.”

Paine had left us all questioning his tactical nous and his actual playing role: Shane Warne

Shane Warne felt that Paine’s captaincy was in question in their last series loss to India, and his batting has been underwhelming as well. Over 35 Tests, Paine averages 32.63 without a single century.

“When you take a close look at his position at number seven in the batting order, and the other candidates to play that role, the other standout wicketkeeper/batsmen around the country and the runs they were making, there was a groundswell of people starting to ask if Tim Paine was in fact the best option for the Test team.

“He had his moments during recent series — especially last summer against India — which left us all questioning his tactical nous and his actual playing role. Bowlers are to blame here too, but the captain has to be held accountable,” the 52-year-old added. 

Pat Cummins, who was named the vice-captain for the Ashes, is likely to be appointed as the new Test skipper. Steve Smith is also in contention to be re-instated to the captaincy role.

The first Ashes Test is slated for Brisbane from December 8. Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth are slotted to host the next four Tests. However, that is subject to change.

Also Read: Hardik Pandya Unlikely To Be Part Of South Africa Tour; Expected To Go To NCA Over Fitness Concerns