SA vs AUS 2018: Tim Paine hails Australian Team Spirit in Johannesburg

If South Africa managed to draw Johannesburg Test, then it will be first home series win for the hosts against Australia since 1969/70.

Tim Paine sustained thumb injury at the Wanderers Stadium on Saturday | Getty Images

Australia’s new skipper – Tim Paine, who has batted with a broken thumb at the Wanderers Stadium, on Sunday, said he is happy with the way his players have shown spirit and the fight against South Africa.

With a 2-1 lead in the four-match Test series, the hosts are going into the fourth day leading by 401 runs with seven wickets in hand in the final Test, while they only need to draw in Johannesburg to beat Australia in a home series for the first time since 1969/70.

However, the Kangaroos are so far behind against Proteas in the final Tests, but Paine said that Australians have shown a great spirit despite the ball-tampering row in Johannesburg.

As per AFP, Paine told reporters, “We’re a long way behind the game, there’s no doubt that, but I’m happy with the spirit and the fight with the bat and the discipline our bowlers showed.”

Despite batting with a hairline fracture of his right thumb, which he sustained while keeping wicket on Saturday, Paine scored defiant 62 runs off 96 balls to help Australia to post 221 in their second innings.

Commenting on his injury, the 33-year-old added, “It’s okay. It’s got a little crack in it. It hurts a little bit but I’ve had my fair share of finger injuries and compared to a couple of others it’s not too bad.”

Paine signed off by saying, “We didn’t get the wickets we perhaps deserved but I was really proud of the way the bowlers stuck at it, the same with our fielding group. I thought our energy right through the innings was excellent.”

 

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 02 Apr, 2018

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