Sure, the wicketkeeper is part of a team, but he's alone in it.
Like whoever keeps the ships from shore, he's on an island, a small redoubt absorbing a constant tide.
Unnoticed when his job is done, only taking focus when misadventure strikes.
You have to feel for Tim Paine. He didn't ask to be picked. Of course he would be glad.
Of course as a professional he wanted it. But you wonder if there was any part of him that thought, not now. I'm not ready. Some other time.