Paine says he hopes to be a permanent fixture in Oz squad soon

Vizag (Andhra Pradesh, India), - Incumbent Australian wicketkeeper Tim Paine says he now feels he is a part of the national squad, and is looking forward to taking up the gloves on a more permanent basis from predecessor Brad Haddin as and when the latter decides to hang up his boots.

“I’ve obviously spent quite a bit of time in the team the last 12 months, almost as a permanent fixture at times. I definitely feel a part of the team now, and, I feel comfortable when I come into the environment, which has probably helped,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Paine, as saying.

“I think my performances when I’ve been given the chance have been good enough to suggest that when Brad’s injured or finishes up I’ll come straight into the side,” he added.

Paine says he has a vivid memory of Adam Gilchrist’s first Test when he replaced Ian Healy as Australian wicketkeeper, and recalls that it was not a pleasant memory.

“Gilly made his debut in Brisbane, and I think I can recall him walking out and even being booed at one stage,” Paine said.

Paine, 25, is hoping that a similar fate does not await him when he does take over from Haddin.

“Hopefully if Brad retires, I don’t have to go to Sydney and cop the same treatment. That would be nice,” he said.

Paine also feels confident about expressing his views on the field.

“I’ve never had a problem, particularly if I’m asked, to express an opinion, but I suppose I am more likely to volunteer it now,” said Paine.

“It is the ‘keeper’s role, I may be seeing stuff that Ricky might not or Pup (vice-captain Michael Clarke) might not from the angles they’re at, and it is up to me to share that and let them know or give them an idea,” he said.

Regardless of how well Paine has done on the tour of the subcontinent, he has always known that Haddin would be around to re-claim the gloves at the start of the home summer, and it is an arrangement he remains comfortable with.

But there is little doubt that Paine has grown fond of the Australian side, and that the Australian side has grown fond of him.

“If Brad comes back and does well then that’s great for the Australian cricket team, and if he does I suppose it’ll make us a stronger side for the Ashes.

“Hopefully he does, but hopefully he doesn’t go on for another five or six years or play until he’s 40 or anything like that!” (ANI)