Mohali may pave Paine's road to Ashes

Tim Paine Test-best 92.

Looking up at the PCA Stadium scoreboard on the second morning of the first Test against India, Paine viewed a sobering reality - he had made all of nine runs.

At times like these Test cricket can feel a task almost too vexing for any man, let alone a 25-year-old Tasmanian wicketkeeper raised on pitches more helpful to seam than spin.

"I said to Watto (Shane Watson) at one stage it's as hard as I've had to fight," said Paine.

Australia's batting line-up looks considerably different with Paine at No.7, a steadying influence on proceedings where his predecessors Adam Gilchrist and Brad Haddin have been giddying ones.

t helps to have the assistance of an in-form Mitchell Johnson, who felt free to swing cleanly with the reliable sight of Paine at the other end.

"Mitch is a bit underrated with the bat, when he's in good form he's a batsman, and he scores his runs very quickly," said Paine.

When they enjoyed a more dominant position, Gilchrist and Haddin were the cavalry, chasing a foe in retreat or outflanking them if things became awkward.

Now that the Australians are a lesser combination, consigned to the limitations of trench warfare, Paine has proven himself a sturdy foot soldier.

His potential value to the Ashes campaign should not be underestimated.