Australian Test captain Tim Paine wants India to tour Australia to play the four-match Test series scheduled in December this year in a bid to reduce the financial loss of Cricket Australia (CA). It is estimated that the Australian board will have to suffer a loss of AUD 300 million.
Tim Paine, who was appointed as the Test captain last year, had to face defeat against Virat Kohli led Indian cricket team in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2018-2019. In earlier interviews, Paine had very confidently said that as now the Australian team as Steve Smith and David Warner, they are confident to play against India.
As of now, because of coronavirus, there is no clarity over the future plans and schedules. If the conditions get normal or under control, the game might resume, but if the situation gets worsen, there seems no chance that the players will tour another country.
Tim Paine Reveals Cricket Australia Will Arrange Charter Planes:
However, Paine wishes that India tour their home ground to play the series so that the board has a less financial loss.
“I think there’s a bit of safeguarding towards the potential of India not coming (on a tour in December/January) which is worth something like 250 to 300 million dollars,” Tim Paine said.
“I’m hoping that they get here, that would solve a lot of issues,” he added.
Tim Paine expects a lot from Australia vs India Test series:
Paine also revealed that their government is also taking into consideration different options to bring the Indian team. He said that charted planes might be arranged for the safety of players.
“I know there have been some early talks with Cricket Australia and the government around the potential of what could be done, chartering planes and getting them in isolation when they get here to make sure that we can get India here,” the 35-year-old stated.
Further, the captain also said that the players are ready to take pay cuts and will contribute to whatever decision the board makes.