Former Test keeper Tim Paine named assistant coach of NT Strike
A former Australian Test captain has announced his next big coaching role will land him in the Territory.
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Former Australian test captain Tim Paine has been named the assistant coach of the NT Strike team for the 2024 Top End T20 Series.
The renowned wicket keeper is one of the most experienced players in Australian cricket, with more than 400 professional games across his career.
Northern Territory Cricket chief executive Gavin Dovey said he was thrilled to have Paine come on board for the series.
“I was lucky to work alongside Tim as a player and captain, and I just loved his approach to people, the team and the game,” he said.
“Tim is as good a person as you’ll meet and to be able to add someone with his international playing experience and cricket knowledge to the coaching staff will be invaluable.
“I’ve no doubt the players will love working with him.”
The former Australian keeper’s foray into coaching began in 2023 when he joined Jason Gillespie at the Adelaide Strikers for KFC BBL|13 and BBL|14 campaigns.
Paine also took up the assistant role for Adam Voges for an Australian A series against New Zealand, as well as taking a mentorship role in the Cricket Australia under-19s program.
He is currently in England playing in the Legends League, but is looking forward to returning to the Top End to see the Territory talent.
“I have fond memories of being in Darwin for the inaugural Top End T20 Series back in 2021, where I helped Troy Cooley and Greg Shippard coach a Cricket Australia XI,” he said.
“It looks like the series has just gone from strength to strength since then, and it’s incredible to think you’ve got Pakistan and Bangladesh travelling out for it.
“It sounds like there are going to be a lot of great young players, coaches and people involved in the game in Darwin.”
NT Cricket also announced Dylan Slater and Udara Weerasinghe to round out an expanded coaching team for the series.
Both have completed their Cricket Australia High-Performance (Level 3) Coaching Certificate through NT Cricket, and been heavily involved in coaching NT senior and pathways sides.
“Having someone come up here who has the resume like Paine is great,” Weerasinghe said.
“He will definitely bring a lot of knowledge that I’m hoping myself and the local boys can all learn from.
“It’ll be a great experience for everyone involved.”
Weerasinghe also said that he was confident having the likes of Paine sign on for the competition will only benefit the sport in the Territory, and was eagerly awaiting the competition to get under way.
Dovey said he was pleased that local coaches continued to get exposure to some of the best cricketing minds in the game.
“Udara has been coaching in the Territory for a long time now and brings a lot of local knowledge and experience,” Dovey said.
“He did a fantastic job with the Top End T20 Series last year and I know he is excited about this opportunity to continue to learn and improve.
“Dylan had an opportunity to coach in the IPL this year but unfortunately couldn’t take it, so I’m delighted he gets an opportunity to show his potential to this group of players.”
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