'Nice Garry' won't come naturally: Paine

Nov 20, 2017 - 4:32 PM Replacing childhood friend Matthew Wade as Australian wicketkeeper was never going to be easy for shock recall Tim Paine.

And it appears Paine has already fluffed his lines before appearing on the Ashes stage, well one line in particular.

Paine admits the "Nice Garry" catch cry Wade had started won't come naturally when behind the stumps congratulating cult hero Nathan Lyon in the first Ashes Test in Brisbane from Thursday.

"He (Lyon) is trying to (make me say it). He's got some deal on the side I think," the 32-year-old Paine laughed.

"I don't think I will (say it). It doesn't come naturally to me - I tried it yesterday."

Veteran off-spinner Lyon has not given up hope.

"I sat him down yesterday. He's working on it. I know he's been in his room working on it," Lyon said of the catchphrase named after Melbourne AFL great Garry Lyon.

The novelty of the line has certainly not worn off for Lyon.

"It's brilliant. I've now got little kids and guys older than my dad walking around the streets calling (out) 'Nice Garry'," Lyon said.

"It's a little bit different. I'm enjoying it."

Paine had not played a Test since 2010 or struck a first-class ton in 11 years but still earned an Ashes call-up, replacing Wade.

It extended a long, friendly rivalry between the good mates.

Growing up in Tasmania, Paine and Wade met at 12 and quickly forged some epic backyard cricket battles.

"We played in the same backyard cricket comp at Wadey's cousins," Paine said.

"It's an extraordinary story."

It may get even better if Paine's brother has his way.

"My brother still can't believe he hasn't been given the call from Cricket Australia as a wicketkeeping coach," Paine said.

"All he had was a tennis ball and a tennis racquet and he's produced two Test keepers.

"He's up this week so I'm sure he'll introduce himself to (Cricket Australia boss) Pat Howard."

Source: AAP