Tim Paine’s brutal moment in return to first-class cricket after hiatus-by Sam Goodwin
Tim Paine’s return to first-class cricket started in inauspicious fashion on Thursday as the former Test captain was dismissed for just six in the Sheffield Shield.
Paine hasn’t played at the top level of cricket since April last year, taking a break from the game in the wake of the sexting scandal that saw him step down as Test captain of Australia.
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But the wicket-keeper made his return after 18 months on Thursday, turning out for Tasmania against Queensland at Allan Border Field.
While Paine’s comeback didn’t reach any great heights, his Tasmanian teammates still lauded the impact the former Test captain’s return will have on Australian cricket.
The 37-year-old struck one boundary but was dismissed for six as the Tigers were bowled out for just 147.
Tim Paine’s return to first-class cricket started in inauspicious fashion on Thursday as the former Test captain was dismissed for just six in the Sheffield Shield.
Paine hasn’t played at the top level of cricket since April last year, taking a break from the game in the wake of the sexting scandal that saw him step down as Test captain of Australia.
‘SHOCKING TO SEE’: Cricket world stunned by ‘horrible’ scenes
‘CLASS’: Aussie teenager’s 30-year first since Ricky Ponting
But the wicket-keeper made his return after 18 months on Thursday, turning out for Tasmania against Queensland at Allan Border Field.
While Paine’s comeback didn’t reach any great heights, his Tasmanian teammates still lauded the impact the former Test captain’s return will have on Australian cricket.
The 37-year-old struck one boundary but was dismissed for six as the Tigers were bowled out for just 147.
Entering at 5-59, Paine got off the mark with a crisp straight drive but was out edging a cut shot soon after,
Off-spinner Jarrod Freeman managed to drag the Tigers beyond 100 with his knock of 44.
The 22-year-old Freeman was just five when Paine first played for Tasmania in 2005.
“It’s pretty surreal, pretty special,” he said of sharing the field with Paine and fellow Test veterans Peter Siddle and Jackson Bird.
“With Painey behind the stumps it boosts you 10, 20 per cent and they know what they’re talking about.
“He’s one of the best keepers in the world still, would silly not to have him in the side in that aspect.