Paine is likely to comeback to first-class training
Tim Paine could play in Tasmania in six weeks as the former Australia Test captain prepares to return to cricket.
Paine is training with Tasmania’s state team as a contracted player, planning his first return since losing Test captaincy in a text message dispute.
Cricket Tasmania says Paine is back in training
The 37-year-old took time off from the game in November last year after stepping down as Test captain. Cricket Tasmania says Paine is back in training. Tasmania’s first outing this summer is an ODI against South Australia on 28 September, but Paine aims to return to the club ranks.
Cricket Tasmania’s Premier League grade competition will begin in early October. Tasmania’s opening Sheffield Shield game starts on 6 October.
The governing body declined to comment further
The governing body declined to comment further, but Paine has another powerful ally with Tasmanian and former Test captain Ricky Ponting. Ponting, who has recently been appointed as head of the strategy for the Hobart Hurricanes, has openly expressed his desire to play for the BBL franchise for Penn.
For someone like Penny, as a partner, the first thing you want to make sure is that she is okay. We all make mistakes,” Cummins said last week. “He did the wrong thing but he tried to fix the situation as best he could… I feel for him.”
