Australia vs India 2018: Josh Hazlewood Should Lead if Paine is Unfit - Adam Gilchrist

Australian skipper Tim Paine is confident of featuring in the second Test match and confirmed there are no serious concerns regarding his finger. Paine copped a blow on his troublesome finger during the Adelaide Test. A delivery from pacer Mohammed Shami hit Paine’s right index finger during the high voltage final day’s play. The hosts went on to lose the game by 31 runs.

In fact, Paine had confirmed in the post-match presentation of the first Test match that his finger is fine. However, Paine would like to regain full fitness before the second Test match at Perth.

‘Tough Nut’ Tim Paine batted through the pain.

The captain played a gritty inning of 41, in pursuit of a daunting 323 in the fourth innings. He had his finger taped and continued putting up a brave face against a quality Indian attack.  According to former greats, Adam Gilchrist and Shane Warne speedster Josh Hazlewood should don the captain’s arm-band if in case Paine misses out.

“I think it would show a real sign of panic and uncertainty around what you’ve tried to establish by appointing a vice-captain and not having them assume (the role),” Gilchrist said. “When you consider who is going to be the vice-captain, you have to assume that they could play through injury or form or whatever it may be.”

Severe damage to his finger

Paine took a blow on his finger which ended up getting fractured back in 2010. The incident happened during an All-Stars game when he was hit by Dirk Nannes. He has had five operations on the injured finger. He had his bone taken from wrist and hip to get the finger fine. Paine had said there is a plate supported by eight pins which are helping him keep the finger stable.

The skipper is known to be a tough bloke and has often been praised by former cricketers, including the current Australian coach Justin Langer. Paine will have his task cut out as the hosts can’t afford to slip any further. The batting lacks the depth and Paine will hope to turn his curse into a boon at the crucial time.