Tim Paine, the Australian wicket-keeper and former captain, has announced his retirement from all forms of domestic cricket. Paine, who had been playing for Tasmania, decided to call it quits after a 16-year-long first-class career.
Paine, who made his debut for Tasmania in 2005, played 95 first-class matches and scored 4,855 runs at an average of 28.71. He also took 312 catches and made 20 stumpings during his career. Paine was known for his exceptional skills behind the stumps and was considered to be one of the best wicket-keepers in the country.
Paine’s international career started in 2010, and he went on to represent Australia in 35 Tests, 12 ODIs, and 3 T20Is. He was appointed as the captain of the Test team in 2018, following the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, and led the team to a memorable victory in the 2019 Ashes series.
However, Paine’s tenure as captain was not without controversy, and he faced criticism for his on-field behavior and the team’s inconsistent performances. Despite this, Paine remained a popular figure in Australian cricket and was respected by his teammates and opponents alike.
In a statement announcing his retirement, Paine thanked his family, teammates, coaches, and supporters for their support throughout his career. He also expressed his gratitude to Tasmania Cricket and Cricket Australia for providing him with the opportunity to play at the highest level.
