Ricky Ponting's captaincy came under the scanner after Australia's Ashes debacle, but young wicketkeeper Tim Paine vouches for his under-fire skipper's leadership skills, saying he is a motivator who has helped build his international career.
During the Tasmanian camp, Ponting had advised Paine not to copy others and passed on his famous "Back yourself" mantra to the youngster. The 24-year-old now says he is learning to be his own man on the big stage.
"When I was young I got caught up with blokes who'd hit the ball a lot harder and stuff like that and then I'd try and go and do that," Paine told the Australian Associated Press.
"He (Ponting) has always said to me about playing your own way and everyone plays differently and just to back the way you play," he added.
Ponting will be back in the team after his post-Ashes break and Paine is preparing to play along side him in the fourth ODI against England on Saturday.
"It's been great, I've had a ball, the side's been playing very well as well, which has made it a lot easier.
"I've been very nervous I suppose before games, but each game I've played so far it's been easier to prepare for, I'm a bit more relaxed. I'm looking forward to the next few games and cashing in on the starts I've had and continuing to keep well," Paine, who scored 0, 26 and 29 in the first three ODIs said.
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