It's been almost five years since Tim Paine has played Twenty20 cricket for Australia but an unbeaten 87 from the Hobart Hurricanes skipper might help put him back on the selection radar.
A classy knock by the wicketkeeper-batsman on Tuesday set-up the Hurricanes for a 20-run Big Bash League win over the Brisbane Heat at Bellerive Oval.
Paine belted six boundaries and four explosive sixes in a knock that included a 94-run partnership with star international recruit, Sri Lankan batsman Kumar Sangakkara (43), as the hosts reached 3-184.
Paine raced to 50 from 34 balls.
After play the captain was modest about his effort, instead pouring praise on teammates including Sangakkara and George Bailey (40) who he said are playing important leadership roles in the side.
"My role is to adapt to the guy at the other end ... and when the time comes for me to step up and go, I'll go."
Paine was also valuable with the gloves, taking two catches behind the stumps on Tuesday.
But the 31-year-old will need more than just his keeping skills to push his case for higher selection.
Matthew Wade has been Australia's limited-overs keeper since Brad Haddin's retirement and Peter Nevill, who has made a steady start to his Test career, is also pushing for a chance to wear gloves in the short-form game.
For now Paine seems happy to remain focused on his Hurricanes duties and is pleased the side has racked up a win after a dismal 95-run loss to the Sydney Sixers in their BBL opener.
"We're a really experienced side," he said of the team whose next match on Tuesday sees them again play the Heat, this time at the Gabba.
"We might play a different team or try some bowlers in different spots."
