Tim Paine, former Australian Test captain, will be stepping into the coaching role for the Australian Prime Minister’s XI in their upcoming tour match against India during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. Set to be played at Canberra’s Manuka Oval, this two-day, day-night encounter with the pink ball is scheduled between the first Test in Perth and the second Test in Adelaide. This match offers a warm-up opportunity ahead of India’s anticipated pink-ball Test at Adelaide Oval.
Paine expressed his hopes that Indian stars, including Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, will participate, adding excitement for cricket fans in Canberra. “It would be great if India fields some of their top players. They have some of the world’s best, and for the fans and the game’s spirit, seeing players like Kohli and Rohit in action would be thrilling,” Paine told Cricket ACT.
The last time India played a pink-ball Test in Australia, it ended in the memorable 36 all-out at Adelaide. Although Australia started strong in that series, India made a stunning comeback to secure victories in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, marking a historic series win.
Paine, now transitioning into coaching, has already taken the reins of the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League and is eager to lead the PM’s XI. “As a young coach, getting the chance to lead a team is invaluable. I’m looking forward to working with some of Australia’s talented young cricketers, and it should be a fantastic experience,” he remarked.
India’s tour kicks off with the first Test at Perth Stadium on November 22, setting the stage for what promises to be an intense series Down Under.
