Tim Paine Points to Australia A Tour as Key Border-Gavaskar Preparation

The former Test skipper says regular exposure to Indian conditions is central to Australia's bid to end a 20-plus-year drought in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Former Australia Test captain Tim Paine is part of the coaching setup for Australia A, whose opening four-day match against India A begins Tuesday in Puducherry. Speaking ahead of the fixture, he explained why Cricket Australia pours money and manpower into sending developing players to the subcontinent, whether via Australia A, the MRF Foundation or other youth programs.

Paine noted that Australia last lifted the Border-Gavaskar Trophy on Indian soil more than two decades ago, with the next edition scheduled for January to March 2027. Repeated trips to India, he said, allow players to adjust to the climate, cuisine and unfamiliar pitches while refining specific plans.

Asked which Indian batter proved toughest to remove during his time as captain, Paine named Cheteshwar Pujara, pointing to his concentration, discipline and general stubbornness at the crease. Paine admitted the right-hander frustrated the Australians before Pat Cummins found a measure of success against him, dismissing him caught behind.

On Rishabh Pant's celebrated Gabba innings, Paine said he admired the aggression and self-belief the wicketkeeper showed in Australia, disturbing high-quality bowlers from their lines and lengths. That mentality, he added, is something he now encourages among the young players in the current group.

Paine also assessed Australia's prospects for the upcoming trophy, acknowledging that run-scoring has fallen short in recent home summers while insisting quality batters remain. With strong preparation, he saw no obstacle to an Australian victory.