Ricky Ponting backs Tim Paine as Australia’s Test wicket-keeper

Former state and national captain Ricky Ponting suggested Paine could be the long-term answer to Australia’s wicketkeeping worries, suggesting his lengthy injury setbacks may work to his advantage.

“He hasn’t actually played that much cricket because of the injuries he’s had,” Ponting said on Cricket Australia’s website. 

“Two whole years off and then the last few years he’s been in and out of the state team as well.

“Without playing much cricket he’s always looked after himself exceptionally well. He’s always the first one in the gym and he’s got a naturally fit and athletic body.

“If he can nail some good performances these first few Test matches then that will obviously secure his spot for the rest of this series. Which could then mean he’s Australia’s gloveman for the next few years.”

Paine has been the dominant topic of discussion since the announcement of Australia’s team for the opening Ashes Test at the Gabba on Thursday.

Matthew Wade was being preferred to the 32-year-old behind the stumps by Tasmanian selectors – a decision which surprised national selector Mark Waugh.

Ponting, who presented Paine with his Baggy Green on his Test debut at Lord's in 2010, hopes his long-time state teammate is over the niggling finger injuries that have plagued his career.

"I don’t think there’s ever been any doubt about his wicket-keeping ability which is the reason why he had never been dropped from the Australian team,” he said.

“I've said for a long time, that he’s clearly the best keeper in the country and over the years we’ve seen glimpses of how good a batsman he actually is.”

Although Paine failed to make a first-class 50 in more than three years, this month he twice reached that milestone against England in a tour match and against Victoria in the Sheffield Shield.

His four Test appearances included a top score of 92 in the opening match of the 2010 tour of India and his average of 35.87 is well up on his overall first-class figure of 29.12.

“If you can get an average of 30 or 40 out of your wicket-keeper that’s all you need if your top order is doing their job,” Ponting said.

“Technically he’s very correct. When you watch him in the Big Bash you just think, ‘how has this guy not actually scored more Shield runs?’

“When he’s out there playing well, he looks as good as any of the other batters around the country.

“There’s no doubting there’s a lot of talent there and he’s made a Test match 92 before in tough conditions in India, so let’s hope he can repay the faith the selectors have shown - I’m sure he will.

“He’s a very competitive person, a born winner who wears his heart on his sleeve when he’s out on the pitch and someone who is always trying to get the best out of his teammates.”

Paine has said he was on the verge of leaving Tasmania for a job in Melbourne having played just three Shield matches late last season before securing a two-year contract extension.

His unbeaten 71 against the Bushrangers last week coincided with disappointing returns from Wade and his Test predecessor Peter Nevill.