Former Australian Test skipper Tim Paine , now head coach of the Australia A program, has hailed the team’s ongoing tour of India as a crucial learning experience for the country’s emerging cricketers. Speaking from Lucknow, Paine stressed that playing in extreme heat, on unfamiliar wickets, and against a contrasting style of cricket has already offered lessons that “you can’t put a price on.”
“It’s been an excellent experience for this young group to play in these conditions,” Paine said. “The heat, particularly yesterday, is something these guys don’t often experience. For a young group to get this exposure before potentially playing Test cricket here, it’s invaluable.”
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The differences in pitches have posed a significant challenge. “We’ve been lucky to play on red clay wickets, which you don’t get in Australia. The dryness, spin, and bounce have tested our batting group, while our fast bowlers have had to cope with the exhausting conditions of bowling three or four-over spells in extreme heat.”
Even Australia’s fittest players have felt the strain. Paine cited Campbell Callaway , who lost seven to eight kilos during training, as an example of the physical challenges the tour imposes. “Learning that preparation needs to adapt to these conditions will be invaluable for future tours,” he said.
The young Australians have also had the opportunity to study India’s approach to player development , including exposure to different pitch types. Paine noted the upcoming switch to black clay wickets and how the subtle differences in playing surfaces require different skill sets.
Facing quality Indian opposition has further enhanced the learning curve. “In the first match, our guys batted aggressively, as Australians do. But India’s approach—taking ones and twos, manipulating fields—taught our players how to adapt and change gears,” Paine said.
Reflecting on his own experience during the 2017 India tour , Paine emphasized the importance of preparation. “International cricket is tough, and foreign conditions make it even harder. Tours like this are crucial, and I’m confident the lessons learned here will pay dividends in 2027.”
“It’s been an excellent experience for this young group to play in these conditions,” Paine said. “The heat, particularly yesterday, is something these guys don’t often experience. For a young group to get this exposure before potentially playing Test cricket here, it’s invaluable.”
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel.
The differences in pitches have posed a significant challenge. “We’ve been lucky to play on red clay wickets, which you don’t get in Australia. The dryness, spin, and bounce have tested our batting group, while our fast bowlers have had to cope with the exhausting conditions of bowling three or four-over spells in extreme heat.”
Even Australia’s fittest players have felt the strain. Paine cited Campbell Callaway , who lost seven to eight kilos during training, as an example of the physical challenges the tour imposes. “Learning that preparation needs to adapt to these conditions will be invaluable for future tours,” he said.
The young Australians have also had the opportunity to study India’s approach to player development , including exposure to different pitch types. Paine noted the upcoming switch to black clay wickets and how the subtle differences in playing surfaces require different skill sets.
Facing quality Indian opposition has further enhanced the learning curve. “In the first match, our guys batted aggressively, as Australians do. But India’s approach—taking ones and twos, manipulating fields—taught our players how to adapt and change gears,” Paine said.
Reflecting on his own experience during the 2017 India tour , Paine emphasized the importance of preparation. “International cricket is tough, and foreign conditions make it even harder. Tours like this are crucial, and I’m confident the lessons learned here will pay dividends in 2027.”
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