Tim Paine reckons Australia must change their on-field behavior

Team Australia endured a heavy 492 run defeat in the final Test against South Africa. This was their second worst defeat in terms of runs in Test cricket. Also, this was South Africa’s first ever Test series win against Australia since their reinstatement in 1991-92. Despite the defeat, the Australian skipper Tim Paine tried to draw positives out of the game in the press conference.

As per the quotes in brecorder, Tim Paine noted that the team is eyeing this particular phase as an exciting time with new coach and new staff coming on-board. Following the recent sandpaper gate, coach Darren Lehmann has stepped down from his post. Also, Paine noted that with the likes of Steve Smith and David Warner out of action, it is a good opportunity for other players to stand up and take responsibility.

“It’s an exciting time, we are going to have a new coach and a new brand and culture. With the guys being out at the moment, there is also a chance for others to step up and play an extended period of test cricket. There are lots of positives and messages that we can take out of it (the series) and it’ll be good to get home, have a rest and think about it,” Tim Paine quoted.

On the public backlash

The Australian team faced severe backlash from the cricket fans for their involvement in the ball tampering scandal. Speaking about the backlash and the heat they faced from the fans, Tim Paine noted that they have to listen to the comments. They were wrong and hence, the reactions of the fans who love their game is totally justified. Furthermore, Paine added that the Australian team needs to address their behavior.

“We have to listen. We have potentially had our heads in the sand over the last 12 months that if we continue to win we can act and behave how we like and the Australian public will be okay with that. We have found out in the last month that the Australian public don’t like the way we go about it, so it is pretty simple, we have to improve our behaviour,” Paine remarked.

Changed behavior on the field

Speaking further on the same note, Tim Paine cited that the on-field behavior of the players in the final Test was slightly different from what the team had been in the recent times. He believes that the team is improving and the other players will learn from the mistakes that were committed during the series.

He admitted that the players need to address the thin line between being respectful and being overly aggressive. He added that it will be tough for a few players to adjust but in the longer run, this is the way they will have to adapt to their game.

“It was evident in this match that we have changed somewhat and that will continue to happen. We’ve got a new coach coming in at some stage and he will have a huge say on how that is. We have to find the fine line between being really respectful of the opposition and also being at a level that is really competitive, as you should be in test cricket,” mentioned the Australian skipper.

“It is going to be a different style than a lot of the guys are used to, but I think we will find it pretty quickly. A lot of us have to step up and take the slack, but I think Australia has got the talent, we just have to harness it properly and if we do we will be okay,” he added further.

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