Australian cricket coach Justin Langer says he wouldn’t be surprised to see exiled former captain Tim Paine return to the squad.
Paine last month stepped down from his role as the Australian Test captain after a previous sexting scandal made its way into the media spotlight.
In response to Paine’s resignation, fast bowler Pat Cummins was handed the captaincy while former skipper Steve Smith was named vice-captain with the Ashes series beginning on December 8.
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While the future of Paine, who has also taken leave to take care of his mental health, may appear in doubt, Langer said he wouldn’t rule out seeing the 37-year-old make a return to the Australian side despite not being available for the Ashes.
“He’s 37, he is as fit as any athlete, certainly in our squad and we have some fit athletes,” Langer said during a press conference.
“He looks after himself so well, he’s very focused.
“His number one priority is his family as you can imagine and that’s how it should be, but I’m not sure we’ve seen the end of him.
“We will wait and see, that will be his decision.”
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Langer also confirmed that he recently visited Paine in his hometown of Hobart.
“He’s one of my really close friends and someone I admire enormously… he’s one of the best people I’ve met in the game of cricket,” he said.
“He’s been our captain for a long time and he and I have been through a journey, it was nice to go down and see him.
“When I saw him, he was shattered with what had happened.
“He’s been such an exemplary figure in Australian cricket… his life has changed, but you’d have to ask him how he’s going.
“It was important to see him, we talk about looking after our boys and having each other’s backs. It was a no-brainer for me to go and see him.”
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