Why Tim Paine Should Continue As Australia Test Captain, Explains Nathan Lyon

Tim Paine took over the Test captaincy reigns after tainted skipper Steve Smith was stripped off his role for his involvement in ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. The promoted role came as a surprise for Tim Paine and others but since being appointed the Test captain he has come a long way.

Australia’s most successful off-spinner Nathan Lyon has backed Tim Paine to continue as the captain of the side even after Steve Smith’s two-year captaincy ban came to an end earlier this year. As the ban ended, there has been a lot of speculations about Steve Smith to retain his role, but Nathan Lyon explained why Tim Paine deserves to continue.

Tim Paine is growing everyday: Nathan Lyon

Tim Paine does not scores too often to show for himself. Under his captaincy, Australia lost the first-ever Test series to India, in the own backyard. It was tour which exposed Tim Paine as a captain and he was often caught on the stump mic blabbering behind the stumps. However, Nathan Lyon believes, Paine is growing as a captain for Australia.

“Tim Paine has been absolutely incredible for the Australian cricket team,” he told reporters in a video conference on Tuesday.

“The way he’s gone out and led this team, it’s been unbelievable to be honest … I truly believe that he’s growing each and every day, he seems to be getting better as captain,” Lyon added.

Tim Paine really got up in my eyes: Nathan Lyon

Tim Paine, as a Test captain, has recorded 31 per cent win record. In his stint from 2018-2020, Australia have played 19 matches, registering victory in 10, losing six, and three tied match. Lyon said, Paine has got up in his eyes, ever since taking the captaincy role at a difficult stage.

“If you looked around that change-room at that time, I think Tim Paine really got up in my eyes, really stood up and could take that challenge on,” Lyon said.

“He took the captaincy on in the hardest time in Australian cricket and he’s done an amazing job,” he added.

India are slated to tour Australia for a much-anticipated Test series in 2020. It however, remains to be seen, if the series get underway after the unceremonious outbreak of the novel coronavirus pandemic.