Australian cricket news: Tim Paine to release book within weeks of Sheffield Shield return

Tim Paine is set to tell-all on the sexting scandal which cost him his Test career and the Australian captaincy as he prepares to make his return to cricket.

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – OCTOBER 08: Tim Paine of Australia walks from the ground at lunch during day two of the First Test match in the series between Australia and Pakistan at Dubai International Stadium on October 08, 2018 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Tim Paine’s shock return to top class cricket comes as he prepares to release a tell-all book about his dramatic fall from grace.

As first reported by News Corp, the former Australian captain will make a stunning comeback few saw coming for Tasmania in their first Sheffield Shield match against Queensland starting on Thursday and is determined to reclaim his mantle as the country’s No. 1 wicketkeeper.

Paine has not spoken publicly since the immediate aftermath of his high-profile sexting scandal, but it can be revealed the 37-year-old is set to lift the lid on his year of personal hell with the release of an autobiography called Tim Paine: The Price Paid – A Story of Life, Cricket And Lessons Learned.

Set for a publication date of October 25, it’s anticipated Paine will provide a full and frank – and at times extremely raw – account of his personal mistake and the consequences he’s faced.

Tim Paine hasn’t played first class cricket since standing down as Australian Test captain. Picture: Getty

“As the scandal has played out in the public spotlight, Paine has had to grapple with the effect of the aftermath on his marriage, his career and his reputation,” says a description of the book by publisher Macmillan.

“He made a mistake – and has paid the price for it. A high price.”

As the description of the autobiography says, “Paine was down – but not out.”

There were very real concerns for Paine’s mental health and an assumption by many that he would never play cricket again – but the Tasmanian never retired and in recent months has poured all his energy into a secret comeback which will take place on Thursday at Brisbane’s Allan Border Field.

After his sudden demise as Test captain, Paine’s comeback gives him a chance to bow out on his own terms following the turmoil he suffered last summer as the Ashes rolled on without him.

Former Australian cricket Test captain Tim Paine had already been back playing in the second XI last year. Picture Nikki Davis-Jones

Tasmanian coach Jeff Vaughan said on Tuesday that Paine’s “emotional” state was strong and emphasised the keeper was not returning for sentimentality and outlined his determination to reassert himself as the best gloveman in Australian cricket.

“At the age he is he’s limited with the amount of cricket he has left in him, but he wants to absolutely be the best cricketer he can be right now,” said Vaughan.

“He wants to perform for us. He doesn’t want to just rock in and play one game of cricket for Tasmania.

“He wants to be a leader and ensure he is the best wicketkeeper in the competition.

“We have absolute faith and trust in Tim and his preparation. Physically he’s probably in the greatest spot of his career.

“Emotionally, he’s sound, he’s been training really well with us for the last few months. He’s ticked all the boxes.”

Paine has weighed up coaching options but feels he has more to offer as a player.

It’s not out of the question that Paine could also participate in the Big Bash this summer.

Deciding whether or not to play again has been a long process for the Test great who played a leading role in restoring faith in Australian cricket after the sandpapergate scandal.

“We were excited. He came into myself and our CEO Dom Baker’s office a couple of months ago and stated he was keen to get back into training,” said Vaughan.

“At that stage he wanted to play for University in the premier competition down here … at that stage we had no idea where it was going to lead.

“We invited him into train with the Tigers and he has trained really well the last three months.

“We are really fortunate to have a wonderful cricketer, but a wonderful human as well.”