Tim Paine Could Return To Play For Hobart Hurricanes In BBL 2022-23

Former Australia Test skipper Tim Paine could feature in the next season of Big Bash League (BBL) for Hobart Hurricanes. 

The Australian wicketkeeper-batter has been back training with Tasmania’s first-class squad. He played his last competitive match for Tasmania in April 2021 and was supposed to lead Australia in the 2021-22 Ashes but his life turned upside down with the revelation of the setting scandal.

Tim Paine has been really good in nets: Jeff Vaughan

Tasmania head coach Jeff Vaughan, who has also been appointed coach of the Hobart Hurricanes, confirmed that the 37-year-old could be considered for selection in the franchise’s final vacant spot. 

“He’s two weeks back into his training schedule again (and has) been really good in the nets,” Vaughan said on Tuesday, as reported by Fox Sports Australia. 

“(He’s) good physically, good emotionally. Look, there’s a chance, but he’ll be one of a number of players we’ll look at for that last position.

There’s no obvious holes we need to fill: Jeff Vaughan 

Paine has featured in 43 BBL matches for the Hurricanes with his last appearance in the T20 competition being in the 2017-18 season. Paine also led the team in 29 matches between 2013 and 2017.

Vaughan said they aren’t in any rush to fill the vacant spot for Hurricanes and there has been no word with Paine regarding it.

“It’s a position we could fill tomorrow, it’s a position we could fill really late. There’s no obvious holes we need to fill, it’s good to have that capability to wait,” Vaughan said.

There is no confirmation on Paine’s future with the Australian Test side with Alex Carey already replaced him behind the stumps since the Ashes. Paine captained Australia in 23 red-ball matches and the team won 11 out of them.

Also Read: Ex-Australia Captain Tim Paine All Set For Cricket Comeback – Reports