Paine train gathers speed in India

Tim Paine has a vivid memory of Adam Gilchrist's first Test after replacing Ian Healy as Australian wicketkeeper.

Not a pleasant one either.

"Gilly made his debut in Brisbane, and I think I can recall him walking out and even being booed at one stage," Paine told AAP in Vizag, towards the end of the latest tour on which he has deputised most ably for Brad Haddin.

"I've obviously spent quite a bit of time in the team the last 12 months, almost as a permanent fixture at times," he said.

From standing crazily close to intercept the bowling of Mitchell Johnson on low pitches, to battling through the best of Indian spin and pace to register meritorious scores of 92 and 59, Paine impressed.

He was learning all the time, too.

"It is the 'keeper's role, I may be seeing stuff that Ricky might not or Pup (vice-captain Michael Clarke) might not from the angles they're at, and it is up to me to share that and let them know or give them an idea."

"If Brad comes back and does well then that's great for the Australian cricket team, and if he does I suppose it'll make us a stronger side for the Ashes.

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