Sydney: New Australia coach Justin Langer named Tim Paine as ODI captain Tuesday for next month’s tour of England as they look to open a new era after a damaging ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.
The 33-year-old wicketkeeper has already been appointed Australia’s Test captain after his predecessor Steve Smith received a 12-month ban for his part in the ball-tampering affair. The five-match ODI series in England will be the Australian team’s first outing since the disastrous South African tour and the players are sure to face intense scrutiny.
Chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said Cricket Australia (CA) had faith in Paine’s ability to lead the 15-man squad in England, with Aaron Finch as his vice-captain.
“Tim is a strong leader and will captain the side for the series, supported by Aaron,” Hohns said. “A decision on a permanent one-day captain will be made in due course.” World Champions Australia will open the series against England at Lord’s on June 13.
Hohns said the tour would help players test themselves on English pitches ahead of the 2019 World Cup in England. “Obviously, these are the conditions we will face during the tournament, so now is a perfect chance to give these players an opportunity to press their case for selection,” he informed.
CA also named a 14-man squad for a one-off Twenty20 match in England, followed by a tri-series tournament in Zimbabwe also featuring Pakistan. Finch was named to lead the squad, with Alex Carey as vice-captain.
Meanwhile off-spinner Nathan Lyon who has been included in the ODI squad for the first time since 2016 said in Melbourne that the players will have stoically bear the English taunts over the ball-tampering affair.
“I am sure the fans will take full advantage of the current situation,” Lyon said. “I’ve never played in England where they haven’t given it to us. There’s no point taking some tissues out with us, we’ve just got to stand out there and cop it.”
Agencies
