Legendary Australian wicketkeeper-batsman and commentator Ian Healy has backed Tim Paine to continue lead Australia in Test cricket for at least three more years.
36-year-old Paine was named captain two years back after Steve Smith was handed a two-year captaincy ban for his involvement in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.
He had some memorable time as captain, leading Australia to Ashes win after 18 years in England last year – which is the biggest highlight of his captaincy.
Well, amid a lot of discussions about Paine’s Test captaincy future, Healy said the current captain is in great shape physically and doing it well and should continue in the role until he hangs up his baggy green.
The legendary cricket also wants to see Paine finish as one of the longest-serving Test captains since he feels the latter can play another three years at Test level for Australia.
So far, Paine has captained Australian in 20 Tests and if he continues in the role for the next three more years, he would overtake the captaincy records of Smith, Richie Benaud, Bill Lawry, Kim Hughes, and Ian Chappell, and even closer to the likes of Bob Simpson (39), Michael Clarke (47), Greg Chappell (48), Mark Taylor (50), Steve Waugh (57), Ricky Ponting (77) and Allan Border (93).
Healy was quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, saying, “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.”
Healy signed off by saying, “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. I’ve got no problems saying three more years.”
(With PTI Inputs)
