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Gilchrist backs Paine to continue as Test skipper/keeper

Cape Town - Adam Gilchrist has backed Tim Paine to continue as Australia Test captain, saying the current national skipper is still the best wicketkeeper in the country.

Paine took over the Australia leadership role after the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town in March 2018 and in one year has helped the Aussies retain the Ashes urn in England.

While his skills behind the stumps has not been questioned, Paine's batting form is a concern as he only scored one fifty in England at an average of 20.

Australia's limited-overs gloveman Alex Carey is knocking hard on the door for a Test call-up but Glichrist feels the Australia selectors should stick with Paine.

Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Gilchrist said: "(If you look at) what he took on, when he took it on, he in partnership with (coach) Justin (Langer) and all the players have done a remarkable job over the past 12 months to just get a nice, stable balance back.

"I can't see any rush to push him out, as long as he's still performing, like we all had to, to stay in the team.

"Like every other player, he's got a hold of his spot in the team as being selected as the best available option for that player type.

"I think he's doing a wonderful job (as captain)."

Australia have a busy home summer ahead in the longest format as they host Pakistan in a two-match series later this month and then welcome New Zealand during traditional Christmas and New Year period.

- TeamTalk Media

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