TIM PAINE – NOT SO “WIDE OFF THE MARK”

Tim Paine’s job was always on a timer and the arduous job specification clear from the start...

- SREELATA S. YELLAMRAZU

Even in the midst of brutal scrutiny, the Australian captain has found predictable sup-port from expected quarters. However, the writing is etched on the wall and will not be washed away that quickly.

Tim Paine’s job was always on a timer and the arduous job specification clear from the start. He was even reluctant to take over but did, knowing his job was to steer Australia out of shark-infested waters. In the same breath, it had to be said that these were largely self-inflicted wounds on Australia, coming for some time before the Cape Town Test blew the lid on Australia’s growing angst that saw them resort to the ball-tampering affair as a team.

Caught on camera and no place to hide, Steve Smith’s tearful admission of guilt found sympathy in few corners even in Australia. Secretly and publicly former Australian cricketers have suggested that there is more to the story than has been revealed.