Former Test captain Tim Paine to throw hand up for Adelaide Strikers top job

Former Australian Test captain Tim Paine has expressed his interest in furthering his coaching career with the vacant Adelaide Strikers roll with the backing of two current stars.

Tim Paine believes he is ready to enter the high-profile world of head coaching and it’s a move Australia should keep a very close eye on.

The former Australian captain has expressed his interest in the vacant Adelaide Strikers position, and if South Australian Cricket has no issue with splitting its T20 job from the state program, then Paine stands out on stilts.

There is speculation former Test quick Ryan Harris could coach South Australia’s Sheffield Shield and one-day teams, and work alongside a T20 specialist.

It’s always hard to tell how a former player will fare as a coach, but Paine at age 39 has plenty going for him as a man who brings a bit of the old and a bit of the new.

Much like Brad Haddin, who is the best credentialed coach not currently head coaching, Paine grew up in the old school and had the likes of Ricky Ponting as his earliest mentors, but also recognises that the game has changed.

As a recent captain of Australia, Paine, like Haddin, understands the new generation and how to engage with and get the best out of the younger player in the complex world of 2024.

Tim Paine started his coaching career in 2023 with the Australian U19 team. Picture: Steve Pohlner

But they have the principles to do this without compromising on hard work and high standards.

Paine was an excellent leader of the Test team in what we now know was a turbulent time in Australian cricket.

It’s difficult to imagine another captain being able to manage the testy relationship between players and coach Justin Langer as expertly and professionally – and for as long – as Paine did over the couple of years post-the Sandpapergate crisis.

Test captain Pat Cummins believes Paine would make an outstanding head coach.

“Painey would be a great coach I think. One of his strengths that I loved when he was captain was he’s a great people manager,” Cummins said.

Pat Cummins thinks Paine would make a great coach. Picture: AFP

“He knows how to get the best out of every player. He brings the team close together.

“He’s played a lot of cricket, he’s seen a lot of cricket, he deals with people brilliantly.

“I’m sure if he goes into coaching he’ll do a fantastic job.”

Australian wicketkeeper and Strikers star Alex Carey is also a fan.

“I only played under Tim for a handful of games, but he’s a great guy, he gets along with a lot of people and keeps the environment a lot of fun. I would love to have him around,” Carey said.

“He’s a wicketkeeper so to work with him would be awesome and speaking to the guys throughout the Big Bash really loved his work (as an assistant).

“I think his tactical cricket brain would be great as well as well as having a lot of leadership experience at the highest level.

“I don’t know which way they’d go but working with Tim for a short period of time was great.”

Jason Gillespie had a rocky exit from South Australia. Picture: Getty Images

South Australian cricket copped an almighty spray from departing coach Jason Gillespie last week, words which the SACA should be taking to heart, because the much-loved ‘Dizzy’ is thoroughly decent person who doesn’t chase headlines or hold bitterness.

A big culture switch is needed in South Australian cricket, and even if it’s just the Big Bash side, Paine is well equipped to help be the change agent they need.

Andrew McDonald is doing a fine job as Australian coach, but in its forward planning, Cricket Australia should be keeping an eye on Paine’s progress in the domestic game.

National coaching jobs are primarily about player management, and there are few coaches around who possess Paine’s people skills and ability to communicate a message.

Paine also cares.

It’s not just a job to do post cricket, there is a genuine passion for coaching and a hunger to win.

Exactly what Australian cricket needs.

Originally published as Former Test captain Tim Paine to throw hand up for Adelaide Strikers top job