Paine reveals brilliant advice from Rogers

Recalled Test wicketkeeper Tim Paine has revealed a hilarious piece of advice he received from retired opener Chris Rogers ahead of the Ashes.

Paine came from first-class obscurity to be picked in Australia's squad for the first two Tests last week, named as wicketkeeper despite having barely worn the gloves in the Sheffield Shield for the past two seasons.

Instead, Paine staked his claim to Test selection when he scored 52 against England last week for a Cricket Australia XI, where he impressed not just Aussie selectors but also English players.

SHADES OF SMITH: 'Cheating' controversy hits India-Sri Lanka Test

Speaking on Monday at a media conference, Paine said he'd received a lot of advice in preparation for his first Test in seven years, but some words of wisdom from Rogers stuck in his mind.

"He told me to set my standards low and expect to get six ducks," Paine said.

"Anything after that is a win."

Paine's selection came in for a fair amount of criticism, but Test legend Ricky Ponting has backed the left-field call.

Ponting believes Paine, who played four Tests in 2010 before a succession of finger injuries derailed his career, ould keep wicket in Tests "for the next few years".

Ponting presented Paine with his baggy green cap seven years ago and believes his former teammate has what it takes to nail down the Test position he has surprisingly regained.

"I don't think there's ever been any doubt about his wicketkeeping ability, which is the reason why he had never been dropped from the Australian team," Ponting said on Sunday.

"I've said for a long time that he's clearly the best keeper in the country and over the years we've seen glimpses of how good a batsman he actually is.

"The thing about him is, he hasn't actually played that much cricket because of the injuries he's had - two whole years off and then the last few years he's been in and out of the state team as well.

"If he can nail some good performances [in] these first few Test matches then that will obviously secure his spot for the rest of this series. Which could then mean he's Australia’s gloveman for the next few years."

Paine's batting average in first-class cricket is a modest 29 and his solitary Sheffield Shield hundred came in 2006, but Ponting isn't concerned.

"Everyone knows he's talented with the bat, so when he doesn't make those big scores it’s almost a negative against him," added Ponting.

"When he's out there playing well, he looks as good as any of the other batters around the country.

"There’s no doubting there’s a lot of talent there and he's made a Test match 92 before in tough conditions in India, so let's hope he can repay the faith the selectors have shown. I'm sure he will."

with agencies