For Pakistan Tests: Paine unlikely to take part in pre-season camp

Australia captain to stay with family for the birth of second child

Australia Test captain Tim Paine’s participation in the upcoming pre-season camp ahead of a two-match series against Pakistan is in doubt after he is opted to staying at home for the birth of his second child.

The wicketkeeper-batsmen confirmed the development while talking to the Fairfax Media as per ESPNcricinfo. "The plan is for me to stay home, get them [wife and child] home and settled in and then I'll leave from here,” said Paine. “We are hoping in the next 10 days we will probably have him [baby boy]. That will give me a week at home before I head off after that."

Paine is hopeful of becoming a part of the Test series which will begin from October 7 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Paine further went on to highlight the difficulties the Baggy Greens might face against the Green Caps.

"It's going to be a huge challenge,” he said. “We haven't had a lot of success playing in the subcontinent [in the recent past]. But, it's not something we are worried about. In fact, it is a huge opportunity and a great place to start if we can go over there and play well and win a series."