Tasmanian skipper George Bailey has praised Tim Paine’s style of leadership ahead of Saturday’s Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria.
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Awarded the national Test captaincy in the wake of this year’s ball-tampering scandal, Paine has been asked to usher in a new era of Australian cricket by instilling a healthier team culture.
The 33-year-old wicketkeeper will fall in under Bailey’s Tasmanian captaincy for the second game running in Hobart this weekend after returning for the draw against New South Wales earlier this month.
Bailey, who was also a national skipper until three years ago, said both he and Paine were used to being led by one another and tipped the keeper to help lift the Tigers’ younger brigade.
“At the moment he’s just in a great place in terms of being confident in his own game,” Bailey said.
“He’s become an elder statesman in many respects in terms of the way he wants the Australian team to play.
“He’s made that really clear and that’s come back into the Shield team as well - he’s so clear in his own mind, so calm in his own mind.
“He prepares as well as anyone, so I think for all our younger players he’s a great example of how to get ready.”
Saturday’s fixture will be the Tigers’ first match at Bellerive Oval since March, with Adam Griffith’s side having travelled for seven one-day fixtures and three four-day matches since flying out from Hobart on September 10.
Bailey admitted the exile had been “taxing” on his players.
“It’s been a long time away from home and even just the last couple of days of training at home, there’s a nice bit of energy and vibe around the group,” Bailey said.
“Just being able to stay in your own bed … we’re pretty excited to be playing our first game here at home.”
The Tigers’ 12-man squad won’t be whittled down until the morning of the game, with Bailey preferring to run an eye over the pitch before deciding whether Gurinder Sandhu makes his Tasmanian debut.
While Griffith’s men will benefit from the inclusion of Paine, Victoria has plenty of its own nationally-capped players to call on, starting with a bowling line-up featuring Peter Siddle, James Pattinson and Jon Holland.
Bailey said his side was looking forward to testing itself against the Shield’s “trendsetters” and backed Test recall hopeful Alex Doolan to continue his sparkling form.
“It’s great when you get the opportunity to have (national players) in your team and great to test yourself against those in the opposition,” the 36-year-old said.
“Our batsmen are looking forward to challenging themselves against a really strong bowling attack with the likes of James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, (Chris) Tremain and (Scott) Boland.
“Marcus Harris and Pete Handscomb are also putting their hands up for Australian selection at the moment and likewise for us I think Alex Doolan’s start to the summer has been sublime.
“He’s batting as well as I’ve ever seen which is fantastic.”
TIGERS SQUAD
George Bailey (C), Gabe Bell, Jackson Bird, Alex Doolan, Jake Doran, Riley Meredith, Simon Milenko, Tim Paine, Gurinder Sandhu, Jordan Silk, Matthew Wade, Beau Webster (one to be omitted)