Tim Paine was drafted in as Australian cricket team captain to replace Steve Smith who stood down as skipper for the remainder of the third Test match against South Africa after admitting he was the mastermind of the ball-tampering scandal. It proved to be a baptism of fire for Paine as Australia’s day of shame ended in a crushing 322-run defeat by South Africa at Newlands. Set an unlikely 430 to win, Australia were bowled out for a paltry 107, with fast bowler Morne Morkel taking five for 23.
“It has been a horrible 24 hours. We’re struggling but the reality and the enormity of what’s happened has probably started to sink in,” said Paine.
“I don’t think we expected this to be as big as it has been, the fall-out we have seen from back home.”
Sunday’s thrashing allowed South Africa to take a 2-1 lead in a series which has featured a number of ugly clashes between the two teams.
