After conceding the first ever home Test series to India, Australia is looking all set to bring some happiness on the faces of their fans by winning the ongoing two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. Australia has already won the opening game of the series and they have put their right strides in winning the second one as well.
Australia dominated the second straight day in the Canberra Test. Riding on centuries from Joe Burns, Travis Head and Kurtis Patterson; the hosts scored a mammoth total of 534/5 before declaring the innings. Aussie skipper Tim Paine was batting on 45 when he declared the innings and it felt bit awkward to everyone as he didn’t give himself chance to score a half-century. It could have been the sixth half-century for the wicketkeeper batsman had he didn’t declared the innings.
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There are slight chances of rain interrupting the match and that’s why Paine thought to declare the innings on time to dismiss Sri Lanka twice on a batting friendly pitch.
As soon as he declared the innings without aiming for personal milestones, the Twitter got irrupted and there were several appreciation messages for Paine. We are pointing out some of the best tweets for Paine.
#cricket Tim Paine declared before reaching his own 50. Didn't know an Australian captain could be so self-effacing.
— Rene Kita (@ReneKita) February 2, 2019
This is an example of a great captain, declaring instead of thinking about making his own milestones. Felt pretty sure he wouldn't make his bowlers come in and bat either so they'd be fresh for the bowling attack against Sri Lanka. Loving Tim Paine as Captain.🏏🏏🇦🇺🇦🇺🏏🏏💕💕🏏🏏
— JuliaPC423 (@JuliaPC423) February 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/DoonaNolan/status/1091559762179678209
Why would Tim Paine not go for his 50 before declaring? 🤔 #AUSvSL
— Jen Frees (@jenfrees) February 2, 2019
And of course Tim Paine still declares despite being on 45 himself, and with only a handful of test fifties over his career. Class. The leader Australia needed.
— | Ryan H | (@Hyan_Rartwig) February 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/premraina48/status/1091548242905419776
Tim Paine on 45 still declared the innings 👏#AUSvSL
— Be yourself Every One Else Taken💛 (@Bharu_chirufan) February 2, 2019
Tim Paine is a genuine leader. He showed an example of selflessness today. Proud of you skip. @tdpaine36
— Ibraheem Altaf (@IbraheemAltaf) February 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/DKautukk/status/1091539920022327296
Selfless Level of @tdpaine36 :- Infinity #AusvSL #Cricbuzz @_rrroy_
— Nitin🇮🇳 (@nitin_quiry) February 2, 2019
@tdpaine36 such a selfless captain and cricketer he is. He's currently batting on 45(Not out) without caring his half century he declared the Australian innings at 534/5 . Hats off to you Paine. Aussies lucky to have behind wickets -perfect banter👏👏 #AUSvSL #Australia #Cricket pic.twitter.com/VrWRr4AfeR
— Krish Robert (@TheRobertI) February 2, 2019
Australia have not endured the best of summers this year but Tim Paine has impressed many with the way he has led the team in the troubled times. He was delighted when Australia defeated India in Perth and is also looks a happy captain when the hosts are dominated Sri Lanka and is likely to lead his country in the Ashes later this year as well.
Also Read: Karunaratne is in no danger says Sri Lanka coach
The Sri Lankan openers were looking solid until an unfortunate incident took place and Dimuth Karunaratne, batting on 46, had to leave the field after sustaining a blow on the back of his neck. Australian bowlers sensed an opportunity and took three wickets in no time. At the stumps, the scorecard reads 123 for 3 and they are still 411 runs behind the hosts.
