Tim Paine named in Tasmania squad for Sheffield Shield match, first since his break after sexting scandal

Aaron Finch was happy with the new of Tim Paine’s return to the game.

Tim Paine | Getty Images

Former Australia Test captain Tim Paine is all set to end his indefinite break from cricket which he had announced after a sexting scandal broke out in public last year. In November last year, a female official at Tasmania Cricket exposed the lewd text messages that Paine had sent to her in 2017.

Following the bombshell revelations, Paine stepped down as Australia Test captain and even took an indefinite break from all forms of cricket for his mental well-being.

But he is all set to make a comeback after being named in Tasmania’s 13-man squad for their Sheffield Shield match against Queensland.

Tasmania coach Jeff Vaughan told reporters: “He has been training with us the last couple of months. And it was quite unanimous that everyone wanted one of the world’s best wicketkeepers in our side.”

Read Also: T20 World Cup 2022: Nitin Menon amongst 16 umpires named for the ICC event

The 37-year-old made a comeback to the action with a lower-level cricket last weekend with his club side, and has been training as an uncontracted player with the Tasmanian state team.

Vaughan continued, “We have absolute faith and trust in Tim and his preparation. Physically he is probably in the greatest spot of his physical career. Emotionally he is sound. We have got full faith in his wicketkeeping skillset so he has ticked all of the boxes.”

Meanwhile, Australia’s T20I captain Aaron Finch was happy with the new of Paine’s return to the domestic cricket.

He told reporters: “I think it’s really good for Australian cricket to have Tim around. For Tasmania to have his experience back around the side with a squad that has got a few young players, the Tasmanian side will be better for that. I think Australian cricket is better for having Tim involved in a playing capacity.”

(With AFP Inputs)

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 04 Oct, 2022

    Share Via