Tim Paine to quit radio to take up significant Australian coaching position

Cricket Australia has made a significant structural change in its coaching ranks and former Australian Test captain Tim Paine is set to be the beneficiary.

Tim Paine is set to put his burgeoning radio career on hold as he climbs the ladder of Australian coaches with a key new national role.

Cricket Australia has made a significant structural change in its coaching ranks with Paine appointed coach of Australia A.

It’s understood the job has been made into a permanent position in recognition of the fact that the ageing Test and ODI teams are on the verge of a major transitional period, and Paine will be trusted with helping fast-track the development of the next generation of talent.

Tim Paine is the new coach of Australia A. Picture: Morgan Hancock – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images

Paine will not only coach Australia A for the upcoming season but will also take on other development coaching of the country’s up and coming stars in other programs as well.

It’s understood Paine is set to leave his breakfast show on radio station SEN due to the expansive nature of his new role at Cricket Australia, which will still allow him to continue in his current role as coach of the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League.

Tim Paine will continue as coach of the Strikers. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images

Paine is highly regarded as one of the best young coaches in the country, both technically and also in the way he is able to communicate with and motivate young players.

The former Australian captain was making great inroads in the media industry as host of his Tasmanian breakfast show with his strong opinions and analysis, and his decision to step away from radio is a huge blow to SEN.

But the fact Paine, 40, has decided to go all in on coaching showcases his passion for mentoring cricketers, which is a massive boost for Australian cricket.

Paine is a future Australian national coach in the making and taking on this new-look Australia A job will be a stepping stone in that direction.

Attracting former top stars to national coaching is always a battle, and acquiring the services of a recent Test captain with vast experience in the domestic game is a coup for cricket.

Australian captain Pat Cummins said in the wake of the Test team’s crushing loss to South African in the World Test Championship Final that it was time for a new era to be ushered in.

Pat Cummins speaking to media during the World Test Championship final. Picture: Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images

The expected axing of Marnus Labuschagne for the first Test in the West Indies starting next week is a sign that selectors are prepared to be more ruthless when it comes to moving on established stars who are not performing.

Australia A will take on Sri Lanka next month in a multi-format series which Paine will oversee.

Selectors have picked the next generation of batsmen who are now knocking on the door for Test selection, including Kurtis Patterson, Nathan McSweeney, Matt Renshaw and Jason Sangha as well as the best young talents such as Ollie Peake and Campbell Kellaway.

Australia faces a potential void when its experienced line-up starts to transition into retirement and the challenge of overcoming this explains the magnitude of the role Paine has taken on.

Paine impressed in his first year as Adelaide Strikers coach and has already worked as an assistant for Australia A and other CA teams over the past 18 months.

Originally published as Tim Paine to quit radio to take up significant Australian coaching position