Former Australian gloveman Ian Healy, who has featured in 119 Tests and 168 ODIs, has backed current Australia’s Test captain Tim Paine to lead the side for three more years. He has observed that Paine had led the side to the top again after a crippling incident in Australia’s history and thus, he wouldn’t have any problem if he serves as the captain for an extended period.
In 2018, after the sandpaper gate scandal which led to the ban of the then captain Steve Smith and his deputy David Warner for one year, Cricket Australia trusted Tim Paine. The wicketkeeper-batsman led Australia to retain the Ashes urn after drawing the five-match series by 2-2. Moreover, he became the first Aussie captain since 2001 to retain the Ashes in England.
After Tim Paine led Australia to win an astonishing first Test against India, Ian Healy has no doubts that the wicketkeeper-batsman is doing his job at the best, leading to them at the top of the chart while also winning the hearts of his countrymen. Thus, Healy concludes that he can continue to be captain for a longer run.
“I’m expecting him to play for quite long because he started so late – and it looks like he’s in great shape physically and doing it well. He’s got a job to do so that will keep him interested, keep him motivated to get that Australian side on top again and in the hearts of Australians. I’ve got no problems saying three more years.”
Tim Paine has led to a massive cultural revolution: Ian Healy
Ian Healy pointed out the massive cultural shift Tim Paine has brought after taking over in tumultuous circumstances.
“He’s led a massive cultural revolution, which has got to be draining, so I don’t have a problem if he does surprise me and finish before I reckon he will because he’s taken on so much, but I think he’s about to reap the rewards and enjoy it a lot more,” Ian Healy added.
Earlier in an interview, Tim Paine, 36, had said that he had no end date in mind despite a lot of people telling him when he should retire.
Surprisingly, Tim Paine has no Test century in his name. His highest Test score is 92 while he has featured in 32 Tests. He will look to add a hundred to his tally in the ongoing Test series against India.