Matt Wade feels 'sorry' for 'struggling' ace gloveman Tim Paine
Sydney, Nov. 11 (ANI)
Newly Crowned Australian wicketkeeper Matt Wade has admitted feeling sorry for his good mate and rival gloveman Tim Paine as he tries to fight his way back into the international cricket arena.
About two years ago, Paine was known as the 'golden boy' of Australian cricket, and had also been earmarked as a future Test captain.
However, after being smacked on the hand by Dirk Nannes in an All-Stars Twenty20 clash, Paine had to be inserted with a plate in his right hand, along with a bone-graft from his hip, in a desperate bid to strengthen his battered index finger and save his teetering career, New.com.au reports.
According to the report, now Wade holds the whip-hand as Brad Haddin's Test successor, while Paine is chasing shadows, having just begun his comeback via domestic cricket at the Tigers.
"I do feel sorry for him and the situation that he had to go through with his finger.I got my chance through poor circumstances, but I guess I'm never going to throw back an opportunity to play for Australia," Wade said.
"I certainly feel for the injury Tim has had, most definitely," he added.
The pair were childhood buddies in Hobart, the report said.
Paine is now looking forward to applying pressure on Wade after a confidence-boosting Australia A tour of England in July, the report added.