Tim Paine Ends 13-Year Century-Drought in First-Class Cricket, Scores Hundred Against Western Australia in Marsh Sheffield Shield 2019
In Tasmania vs Western Australia clash, Paine came in to bat at number 7 and displayed great temperament. Batting against the likes of Jhye Richardson and Mitchell Marsh, the wicket-keeper didn’t put a wrong foot and stitched an 80-run partnership with Caleb Jewell.
Australian captain Tim Paine ended his dry run and brought up a First-Class century after 13 years. The wicket-keeper batsman scored 121 runs while playing for Tasmania against Western Australia in the ongoing Sheffield Shield tournament. This was only the second instance when Paine crossed the 100-run mark in his 124 First-class matches career. The 34-year old scored 215 against the same opposition in Pura Cup 2006. In that clash, the right-handed batsman played as a batsman and scored a splendid double-ton. Since then, Paine faced a rough patch and failed to score a first-class ton for over a decade.
In Tasmania vs Western Australia clash, Paine came in to bat at number 7 and displayed great temperament. Batting against the likes of Jhye Richardson and Mitchell Marsh, the wicket-keeper didn’t put a wrong foot and stitched an 80-run partnership with Caleb Jewell. The veteran didn’t lose his focus even after Jewell’s departure and continued to pile up runs with the tail. Paine guided Tasmania to 397 runs in their first innings and gave his side a 60-run lead.
This was a much-needed innings for the Aussie skipper as the batman scored mere 180 runs with an average of 20 in Ashes 2019. Paine, who got the reins of the Australian team after Steve Smith’s ban, often gets criticized for his dismal batting form and many also consider him as the “accidental captain”. However, the latter will aim to extend his good run and silence his critics in style.
Talking about the ongoing clash, At stumps on Day 3, Western Australia were playing on 148/2 with the Marsh Brothers (Shaun & Mitchell) at the crease. The side will look to pile a massive total and Paine might well have to replicate his heroics in the second innings in order to guide his side over the line.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 13, 2019 09:41 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).