Tim Paine locks in second coaching gig as comeback to cricket continues

Former Australian Test cricket captain Tim Paine's foray into coaching has taking an exciting new turn, with the 38-year-old set to join the Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season. Strkers coach Jason Gillespie has hailed the signing of Paine as a coup for the franchise, with the former wicketkeeper to take up an assistant role under the Test legend.

Paine retired from first-class cricket at the end of last season after a decorated but chequered career. The former Australia wicketkeeper and Test skipper led the national side in the wake of the 'Sandpapergate' scandal that saw Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft all suspended for their part in the 2018 ball-tampering controversy.

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He was also embroiled in a sexting scandal with a former Cricket Tasmania employee, that ultimately led to Paine standing down as Australia captain. Paine was cleared of any wrongdoing by a Cricket Australia investigation in 2018, but stepped down after it became public in 2021 and didn't play another Test for the national side - instead returning to play state cricket for Tasmania.

Since retiring from first-class cricket last year though, Paine has shown his interest in breaking into the coaching ranks, having signed also signed on as an assistant to Australia A coach Adam Voges, earlier this month. Paine's latest appointment to the Strikers continues his incredible comeback to the sport.

The wicketkeeper-batter brings a wealth of experience to the Adelaide coaching ranks, having led his country in Ashes series and Test series against cricketing powerhouse India, among others. Strikers coach Gillespie spoke glowingly about Paine's appointment to his coaching staff for the upcoming BBL season.

"Tim has all the skills to be a fantastic coach," Gillespie said in a statement on Friday. "The experience he will bring is sure to help our players in all facets of the game and bring more positive elements to the way we play."

Strikers General Manager of Cricket Tim Nielsen added: “Tim is a great addition to our team and will help us in so many ways this season. A gifted keeper and Test level batter, Tim will be invaluable working with our players both in the field and with the bat. His ability to provide effective, direct feedback is top class and we really look forward to him getting up to Adelaide.”

Tim Paine part of Australia A coaching setup

As well as the Australia A side, Paine is also enjoying stints as a part-time coach of the Australian U19 team. Both of those sides will face their New Zealand A counterparts in a series starting next week.

Australia A coach Voges - who has coached Western Australia and the Perth Scorchers to domestic titles in state cricket and the BBL - spoke in similarly glowing terms as Gillespie about the qualities that Paine can bring to his coaching staff. "I think he's got a huge amount of experience and knowledge that he'll be able to pass on to the players," Voges said earlier this month.

"It probably took me the first couple of years to start to get that balance right, understanding that there is a difference, and the relationships are slightly different... (it's about) being open and honest with guys that used to be your teammates and now are playing under your leadership. It's an ongoing part of that growing and learning."

Tasmanian-born Paine, who captained Australia in 28 of his 82 Tests, played for the Hobart Hurricanes 44 times and scored more than 1100 runs.

with AAP

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