Rookie Oz keeper Paine vows to make a mark in Champions Trophy

LONDON - Inexperienced Australian wicketkeeper Tim Paine has said that he would make a mark during Australia’s campaign in South Africa to defend its Champions Trophy title.

Paine, who replaced injured Brad Haddin for the on-going seven match ODI series against England, is just four games into his international career, and carries a batting average of 28.

Haddin has been ruled out of the ICC Champions Trophy following a finger operation, and Paine would be the first choice wicketkeeper for the team, which plays its first match against West Indies in Johannesburg on September 26.

“By the time I get there I think I will be (ready),” The Age quoted Paine, as saying.

“Having these six or seven games under my belt before I get to such a big tournament is only going to be a help to me. When you walk out to bat in front of a full house and all the attention, it’s quite hard to get used to, but I am getting used to it,” he added.

The 24-year-old further said that at the point he is only concentrating and enjoying the game, and is confident of cementing his place in the team.

“I’ve had a ball. I’m enjoying my time here. I don’t want it to end,” Paine said.

“‘All I can do is do as well as I can and try and cement myself as No. 2 in one-day cricket while Brad isn’t here, just try and cement myself for when Brad is finished, to be next in line in one-day cricket,” he added. (ANI)