Tim Paine calls time on first-class career after Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield draw with Queensland

Paine led Australia in 23 Tests between 2018 and 2021 including retaining the Ashes in a drawn away series in England in 2019.

The Hobart-born Paine represented Tasmania for over 18 years after debuting in 2005, playing 153 first-class matches. | Photo Credit: AFP

Former Australia Test captain Tim Paine has announced his retirement following the conclusion of Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield first-class match against Queensland on Friday.

Wicketkeeper 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 had his captaincy stripped in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal on Australia’s 2018 tour of South Africa.

Paine stood down from the captaincy in late 2021 after it was revealed he had sent explicit text messages to a former Cricket Tasmania employee.

Paine, who debuted against Pakistan at Lord’s in 2010, scored 6490 first-class runs at 29.63 with three centuries including a best 215. He averaged 32.63 in Tests with the bat and made nine half-centuries. He also completed 157 Test dismissals. He played 35 one-day internationals for Australia.

The Hobart-born Paine represented Tasmania for over 18 years after debuting in 2005, playing 153 first-class matches.

“He has been a phenomenal player, it is an incredible effort to have the longevity that he has had,” Tasmania captain Jordan Silk said. “I’m sure a lot of guys will say there has never been as good a keeper as Tim Paine in Australia.”