Tigers coach lends support to Paine

TIM Paine has received “overwhelming support” from Cricket Tasmania staff and teammates as he prepares to make his return for the Tigers in a Marsh Cup clash against Western Australia.

Paine, 36, announced his resignation as Australian cricket captain last Friday after a series of lewd texts between him and a Cricket Tasmania staffer from 2017 surfaced.

Despite quitting as skipper, Paine confirmed his intention to play on for Australia in the Ashes. But he has barely played any cricket since undergoing surgery on a bulging disc in his neck that placed him under a major injury cloud going into the series.

But with the Cricket Tasmania staff and playing squad giving Paine (pictured) their backing, Tigers interim coach

Ali De Winter can’t wait to have the star gloveman back in action for the state.

“There’s been overwhelming support throughout the business and across our squad,” De Winter said.

“It’s been challenging for all of us knowing how much we care for Painey and his and his family’s welfare. Tim’s going to front up and play for the Tigers tomorrow – it will be great.”

When De Winter asked Paine if he could play against WA on Friday, he revealed the veteran was “absolutely thrilled and excited” about playing for his home state.

Paine got his first taste of the action for Tasmania’s second string squad and had a mixed performance, taking six catches but scoring only one run.

With just weeks to go before the Ashes begin, De Winter is delighted at having Paine in his squad and insists his staff will “do everything we can to help him get prepared for that first Test match”.

“He’s been great with the gloves,” De Winter said.

“He missed out with the bat the other day but his record for Tasmania in one-day cricket is exceptional. He’s scored eight centuries, his strike rate is about 70, so there’s no question he’s in our best team.

“He’s also the best wicketkeeper in the country, so we’re really happy to have him back in our team.”