Former Australian pacer Brett Geeves thinks Tim Paine can bowl a few overs

Australia have made some surprising inclusions in their squad ahead of the Ashes. While Shaun Marsh was recalled, the most unexpected selection was that of wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Paine. The 32-year-old played his last Test match more than 7 years ago.

The Baggy Greens have often shown a knack of playing a couple of all-rounders in their playing XIs. In the absence of Mitchell Marsh, the Australians lack someone who can score a few runs and then also contribute with the ball. However, former Australian pacer Brett Geeves suggested that Paine can be the solution for the same.

You might laugh at me but Paine got Ben Dunk out in a semi-final

The 35-year-old remarked that Tim Paine could be handy with the ball. He suggested that he has a quality of swinging the ball both ways. He also pointed out that Paine effected the dismissal of Ben Dunk in the semi-finals.

“I’ve got the answer. Painey has a gift in that he can deliver the ball seam up and swing it both ways. You might laugh at me, but Painey’s grade bowling performances are very impressive. He got Ben Dunk out in a semi-final a couple of years ago and took another wicket shortly after. Yes, it’s Hobart and yes, the wickets are a little greener. But he does have a knack of taking wickets,” Geeves was quoted as saying by Fox Sports.

He further went on to prove his point stating that Paine has a good control on his delivery. He even pointed out that someone like Cameron Bancroft or Peter Handscomb can showcase their wicketkeeping skills while Paine is marking his run-up. However, he concluded saying that there is a rare possibility of that happening.

“It’s proven at grade level. It wouldn’t be the worst option because it’s a complete change of pace. He gets them out at about 112 kph and he has good control. You’ve got Cameron Bancroft or Peter Handscomb who can keep. It’s actually not the worst option, but obviously, something would seriously need to go wrong for it to happen. He won’t realistically bowl,” he added.