Given his chance in international cricket by Brad Haddin's elbow problems, Paine has now done enough to move well clear of the likes of Graham Manou and Chris Hartley in the Aussie wicketkeeping pecking order.

He got his first real chance in the 6-1 post-Ashes one-day series victory in England in 2009, where he not only took Haddin's role behind the stumps but also at the top of the batting order. He responded with a maiden international century at Trent Bridge.

His growing seniority at his state side Tasmania was highlighted when he was named vice-captain for the 2009/10 season, but a broken finger in India not only contributed to a quiet domestic season but also gave Manou another chance.

Paine was back, though, for Australia's 2010 tour of England, keeping wicket impressively in Tests against Pakistan and one-dayers against the hosts.

His Test glovework was particularly impressive as he snaffled 11 catches in the two matches as well as a smart legside stumping to dismiss Pakistan captain Salman Butt for 92 at Lord's.

His batting was solid enough - his top score was 47 as he averaged 26 in a series where batsmen generally struggled - but the tour further confirmed his status as first reserve behind Haddin.

Despite Australia's 2-0 defeat, Paine's stock rose further in the October tour of India as he made eye-catching knocks of 92 and 59 as well as keeping tidily.

That form led some to question whether Haddin would even return to the side for the Ashes if fit. But while Paine is probably the better gloveman Haddin's experience and superior batting should see him edge out his younger rival.

But should Haddin's troublesome injury problems resurface, the Australians will still be in safe hands with young Tasmanian Paine.

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