Shield clash on edge after rare Paine ton
Tim Paine's second Sheffield Shield century might have meant "nothing to him", but it still ended a remarkable 13-year drought on the third day of Tasmania's clash against Western Australia at the WACA Ground.
It seems difficult to comprehend that when Paine scored 215 at the WACA Ground in 2006, the Australian Test captain's next sizeable first class score - a classy 121 - was not produced until Saturday.
Despite registering a long-awaited milestone, Paine's post-stumps demeanour matched his understated acknowledgement in the middle.
The wicketkeeper refused to dwell on his achievement after WA reached the close with a 88-run advantage with eight wickets intact.
Quizzed on an innings that included 13 boundaries and a six, a knock that guided Tasmania to a 60-run first innings lead, Paine only offered: "It means nothing to me."
It meant plenty to his teammates, however, after Tasmania recovered from 8-281 to post 397 thanks to a 111-run ninth wicket stand between Paine and debutant Lawrence Neil-Smith (39no).
Paine, 34, faced 208 deliveries in a quality contribution marked by a full array of strokes off the front and back foot.
Tasmania then claimed Cameron Bancroft for a first ball duck and Sam Whiteman (16) before Shaun and Mitchell Marsh carried the score to 2-148 by contributing 74 and 51 respectively.
The brothers resume their partnership on Sunday's final morning.
Earlier, Jhye Richardson took 3-58 for while Mitchell Marsh claimed 2-60 and Cameron Green 2-72.
Unfortunately pace bowler Joel Paris left the field with a tight hamstring, meaning he may not bowl in Tasmania's anticipated run chase.
