‘Just my opinion based on playing against both sides’ – Tim Paine on receiving backlash by backing India for WTC Final

Australian Test captain Tim Paine and trolling seem to go hand in hand over the past few months. The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman has been receiving backlash from fans ever since Australia’s humiliating Test series loss against India earlier this year. The series result was nothing less than a shocker, and unsurprisingly, the Aussie skipper came under the scanner. Since then, netizens have somehow found a way to troll Paine regardless of what the veteran says or does.

On June 15, a New Zealand-based journalist expressed his bemusement over Paine’s views on Ashes 2021-22 and the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand. In an interaction, the 36-year-old had opined that England would travel to Australia with a strong squad later this year, and taking them lightly won’t be beneficial. On being asked about the WTC final, Paine backed India to beat the Kiwis ‘pretty comfortably.’

Tim Paine reacts to troll

Reacting to Paine’s remarks, the disgruntled journalist tweeted: “Big talk from someone who’s never scored a test century.” It was evident that the journalist wasn’t happy with Paine backing India over New Zealand. Hence, he targeted the wicket-keeper over his personal records. Reacting to this, Paine came up with a gentle clarification and explained the reason behind his pick. “Just my opinion based on playing against both sides Ollie,” he replied on Twitter.

Just my opinion based on playing against both sides Ollie.

— Tim Paine (@tdpaine36) June 15, 2021

Meanwhile, the WTC final will get underway on June 18 at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton. Both teams have been doing exceptionally well in red-ball cricket lately and would be determined to clinch the prestigious title. The Kiwis must be high on confidence as they recently defeated hosts England 1-0 in the Test series and became the top-ranked Test team.

On the other hand, Team India, which landed in England on June 13, sweated it out in an intra-squad practice match to get the hold of the conditions. Like New Zealand, they didn’t get to play a Test series as preparation. However, they still have a formidable squad, and Kane Williamson’s men can’t afford to put a foot wrong.

Speaking of Paine, the wicket-keeper, who’s not a part of Australia’s limited-overs set-up, will next don national jersey in the historic Test against Afghanistan at home. The clash would be followed by the Ashes and the Aussies would be raring to retain the urn.