Tim Paine Makes Return To Cricket, Will Function In A Coaching Capacity With Tasmania Tigers

Australian Test player Tim Paine has returned to cricket, not as a player but in a coaching capacity with the Tasmania Tigers. His official return to playing might take a bit longer, as per reports in Fox Sports.

Paine stepped down as the captain of the Test team just a few days away from the Ashes 2021-22 after the emergence of a sexting incident back in 2017. Although he was cleared from any charges by Cricket Australia (CA), the text messages left the former skipper disgraced.

He ended up relinquishing captaincy and also took an indefinite break from cricket. Although he will not be back as a player, Paine has reportedly joined Tasmania Tigers as a coach.

“It’s been a nice little distraction for him, I guess, to spend some time with us. He’s been great with our young players stepping in (but) where he stands with his playing of cricket, I don’t think he’s really thought that far ahead,” Tasmania interim head coach, Ali de Winter mentioned.

“Tim Paine is still doing his own physical training” – Ali de Winter

Paine is working his way back into shape on his own terms, de Winter revealed. He also said that Paine has been giving his inputs to the Tasmania squad.

“He’s still doing his own physical training; he’s not doing any batting or wicketkeeping at the moment but he’s certainly present around the group. I think he’s just enjoying the re-entry into our group and just focusing on family life,” de Winter mentioned.

After Paine took a break, Pat Cummins was appointed as the captain of the Test team. He led the side to a 4-0 Ashes series win last month.

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