Tim Paine’s professional career is all but over, after he was not given a Cricket Tasmania contract for the upcoming season.
The former Australian Test captain, who announced in November that he will be stepping away from all forms of cricket indefinitely, remains away from the game in the wake of the sexting scandal that came to light in late 2021.
The 38-year-old did appear for the Tasmanian second XI after the scandal broke, but has yet to return to elite level cricket – and it now looks unlikely that will ever happen now.
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“There is a good mix of senior and emerging players within the list, and on the back of a promising season 2021-22 we are excited for what’s ahead,” head coach Jeff Vaughan said.
“With hopefully a full fixture of both and red and white ball cricket this year, I’m really excited and confident about what this group can produce.”
Paine guided Australia through a difficult period post-sandpaper scandal, but many regarded his position as untenable after leaked lewd text messages were made public.
At first the wicketkeeper stood firm in his position, but quickly realised he wouldn’t be able to go on as the Aussie captain – being replaced by fast bowler Pat Cummins.