Tasmania have drafted Tim Paine in from the CA XI for the clash against Victoria

PRESSURE continues to mount on Matthew Wade after Tim Paine left the CA XI camp to join Tasmania with three possible options ahead of the wicketkeeper batsman.

PRESSURE continues to mount on Matthew Wade, after Tim Paine left CA XI camp to rejoin the Tasmanian squad for its Sheffield Shield clash at the MCG.

Paine is fresh from scoring a classy half century for the CA XI in their tour match against England but instead of heading on with that squad to Townsville, he has flown into Melbourne to prepare for a potential Shield recall against Victoria.

SHANE WARNE: SPIN KING REVEALS HIS ASHES LINE-UPS

BATTING PARTNER: WARNER’S ADVICE FOR OUT-OF-FORM RENSHAW

BATTING WORRY: ENGLAND ADDRESS ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

There are three possible options awaiting Paine — he could be dramatically reinstated as keeper in place of Wade, he could be returned as a specialist batsman, or he may be left out of the 13-man squad and sent back to the CA XI in the far north for Wednesday’s second and final pre-Ashes tour match against England.

Wade’s bid to save his place in the Test side appears all but dead, but the fact the left-hander is still facing fierce competition for his spot behind the stumps at State level is an intriguing side story in the hunt for Australia’s Ashes wicketkeeper.

Tim Paine collects a ball during the four-day Ashes tour match at Adelaide Oval.

CA XI have glovemen on standby to come into their squad if Paine is confirmed in Tasmania’s side.

Tasmania have maintained all along that Wade would get first crack at wicketkeeping duties leading into the first Test, because he is owed that as the incumbent.

WOMEN’S ASHES: AUSSIES ON TRACK TO WIN SERIES

However, if selectors decide they’re moving in a different direction that pecking order could potentially change.

Peter Nevill is poised to return to the Test wicketkeeping post, and has a chance to secure his place when NSW take on Queensland in Brisbane.

Matthew Wade is under pressure to retain his spot in the Australian Test team for the Ashes series.

Paine has not played a Shield match all year and kept in only three games last season, but if he was returned to face Victoria, on the eve of first Test selection, it would at least provide an interesting late twist in the keeping race.

As the incumbent Twenty20 international keeper, Paine was understood to be on the radar for selectors leading into the home summer, with the only problem being how to give him a run with Wade moving home to Tasmania.

However, the real question if Paine returns for Tasmania, is what does that mean for Wade?

Wade, 29, has played 22 Tests and 94 one-dayers for Australia, but is a man at the crossroads of his career.

Meanwhile, Test No.6 hopeful Marcus Stoinis returns to the WA squad for the clash against South Australia in Perth after taking leave last week to be with his sick father.

Originally published as Tasmania have drafted Tim Paine in from the CA XI for the clash against Victoria