Ashes 2017-18: Combined XI of the series

7. Tim Paine (wk)

The bombshell selection of Tim Paine had left many befuddled before the Ashes started. But the selection panel of Australia must be hailed as they picked the right man for the job. Paine last played for his country in Tests in 2009 in India and was criticised after being picked for a huge series. But he justified his selection by being a safe pair of hands behind the stumps.

Paine dropped only one catch in all the five matches and that too on the first day of the series at the Gabba. A total of 25 catches in the series proves his solidity as wicketkeeper and should continue with the team on a long-term basis. With the bat, he was decent enough and mostly came out when his team was in a comfortable position. He played freely most of the times and added 192 runs to his tally in six outings with a solitary half-century.