Former Australia Test captain Tim Paine retires from first-class cricket

New Delhi: Former Australia Test captain Tim Paine has announced his retirement from first-class cricket after an incredible 18-year domestic career, following the conclusion of Tasmania’s Marsh Sheffield Shield match against Queensland at Blundstone Arena.

Paine captained Australia in 23 Tests between early 2018 and 2021, playing 35 Tests overall. He became Australia’s 46th Test skipper after Steve Smith stepped down during Australia’s 2018 tour of South Africa.

However, the wicket-keeper batter stepped down from the captaincy in late 2021 after it was revealed he had sent explicit text messages to a Cricket Tasmania employee in 2017.

Paine represented Tasmania for over 18 years after making his debut in 2005, and has played 153 first-class matches. His final outing was a low-key affair, with the captains of Tasmania and Queensland agreeing to an early finish at tea on day four in Hobart.

The 38-year old’s career ended after playing 154 first-class matches including 35 Tests and 95 Sheffield Shield appearances for Tasmania. IANS

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