Tim Paine: Australian cricket captain stands down, Test future in doubt

CA maintains Tim Paine is available for selection for the Ashes, but two contenders are lingering if selectors hand the former captain the ultimate insult. 

Tim Paine’s resignation from the captaincy has put his Test place under withering scrutiny, but early indications are Australia wants to support him to play the Ashes.

Former Test great Mark Waugh said national selector George Bailey and his panel will now have to “seriously consider” whether they dump Paine from the XI entirely and back in the younger and match-hardened Alex Carey for the first Test at the Gabba.

Although Paine is considered the best wicketkeeper in the country, he is 36 years old and hasn’t played a game of cricket since April after having invasive neck surgery in mid-September.

There are stormy seas ahead, but Cricket Australia Chairman Richard Freudenstein confirmed Paine would still be available for selection through the summer.

It’s understood chief executive Nick Hockley is also determined to support Paine’s place in the team, with cricket sources adamant selectors would not replace him because of the scandal.

Paine declared at his press conference that he didn’t want to be an “unwelcomed distraction” for the team, but is committed to playing his role behind the stumps as a foot solider.

“I do not want this to become an unwelcomed distraction for the team ahead of what is a massive series. I’ve loved my role as captain of the Australian cricket team and it’s been the greatest privilege of my sporting life to lead the Australian test team,” he said.

“(From teammates) I ask for their understanding and forgiveness. To cricket fans I’m very sorry my past behaviour has impacted our game on the eve of the ashes. For the disappointment I’ve caused to fans and the entire cricket community I apologise.

“… I will remain a committed member of the Australian cricket team and look forward with anticipation to what is a huge Ashes tour.”

I suspect Australia will have to go back to Steve Smith as captain. Pat Cummins would be a deserving candidate but as a large hearted fast bowler who gives every spell everything he has, and plays all three formats, his workload will need to be managed.

— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 19, 2021

Paine is affiliated with Channel 7, while his successor in waiting for the Test captaincy Pat Cummins is signed with Cricket Australia’s other broadcast partner, Fox Cricket.

Former selector Waugh said appointing Cummins isn’t the only decision ahead of selectors, questioning how Paine could hold his place in the team at all.

“It’s going to be tough for him to hold his spot in the team now. He’s 36, coming back from injury and he’s got this scandal hanging over his head, there’s a lot of things hanging over his head now,” Waugh told 2GB Drive.

“Pat Cummins will take over and the selectors would be seriously thinking about what wicketkeeper they might pick for the first Test.”

Australian star Travis Head was only just learning of Paine’s resignation as he fronted a press conference, but backed the culture of the team to get through the storm as players rally around Paine.

“I think the group’s in a great space, a lot like the (world champion) T20 group, this group’s played a lot of series together, we’re in a great space, everyone gets along really well, so what will be over the next 24 to 48 hours will be and we’ll move on,” he said.

Head said South Australian teammate Carey – who is named in the Australia A squad who will be with the Test team in Brisbane – has worked hard to be the next keeper in line.

“(Carey’s got a great opportunity in the A tour, it’s great to see him in that squad, he’s deserved that squad, he probably hasn’t started the season as well as he’d like, but the way he’s hitting the ball, the way he’s moving and how he’s working at training is great to see,” he said.

“I think the A tour game will be a fantastic opportunity for him.”

Paine is expected to play club cricket in Hobart on Saturday in his first step towards the Gabba.

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