Tim Paine’s return to batting over in minutes followed with his car being damaged by a cricket ball

Tim Paine’s week has continued its downward spiral with an early dismissal denting his Ashes selection chances – followed by a cricket ball denting his car. LATEST >>

The week has gone from bad to worse for former Australian Test captain Tim Paine.

A poor return with the bat on Tuesday was soured further after a well-timed strike from a Tassie teammate flew over the fence at Lindisfarne Oval and dented the bonnet of Paine’s Audi.

It was a dismal way to end the day for Paine, who did his upcoming Ashes chances no favours with a second-ball dismissal on day two of Tasmania’s four-day second XI clash with South Australia in Hobart.

The dent in the bonnet of Tim Paine’s Audi. Picture: Eddie Safarik

In front of another large media contingent – as well as the watchful eye of chairman of selectors George Bailey – Paine patiently waited in the sheds with his teammates to make his return with the bat in his bid to prove himself worthy of a place in the first Ashes Test in Brisbane on December 8.

Tim Paine with teammates at Lindisfarne while waiting to bat. Picture: Eddie Safarik

When Zac Phair was run out in a mix-up at the crease just before 2pm, it was time for the man of the moment Paine to step to the crease.

Tim Paine is trapped in front to end his short-lived innings. Picture: Eddie Safarik

While it didn’t take long for Paine to get off the mark after a quick single off his first delivery, that was all the former skipper would register after being trapped in front in just his second ball by SA spinner Samuel Kerber.

The poor showing adds further intrigue into whether or not Australian selectors will stick by the former captain for the upcoming Ashes.

Tim Paine after getting out for one run. Picture: Eddie Safarik

Not only was it the former skipper’s first outing with the bat since resigning as Test captain due to a sexting scandal involving a Cricket Tasmania employee in 2017, it was his first outing since invasive neck surgery in September.

On day one of the second XI match on Monday, Paine looked comfortable in his return, taking six catches as keeper.

Originally published as Tim Paine’s return to batting over in minutes followed with his car being damaged by a cricket ball