Tim Paine joins Adelaide Strikers as assistant coach ahead of BBL 13

Former Australia Test skipper Tim Paine is set to begin his coaching stint, as he joins Adelaide Strikers as the assistant coach ahead of the Big Bash League (BBL) 2023-24 season. Notably, the 13^th edition of the top-tier league will commence on December 7, as Brisbane Heat will take on Melbourne Stars in the curtain raiser at The Gabba in Brisbane.

For the unversed, Paine announced his retirement following the conclusion of Tasmania's Sheffield Shield First-class match against Queensland in March 2023. Swiftly transitioning into coaching and expanding his portfolio, Paine will now work under Jason Gillespie at Adelaide Strikers for the forthcoming season of the BBL as the assistant coach.

Strikers’ coach Gillespie expressed his delight on Paine coming on board for the new season which could help the players and bring about positivity in their game.  

"Tim (Paine) has all the skills to be a fantastic coach. The experience he will bring is sure to help our players in all facets of the game and bring more positive elements to the way we play,” Jason Gillespie was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

The 38-year-old keeper-batter has featured in 154 matches in First-class cricket and collected 6,490 runs, lacing it with 35 fifties and three centuries.

Tim Paine to join Adam Voges’ coaching staff for Australia A series

The former Australia and Hobart Hurricanes captain will also be a part of the red-ball games of the Australia A series against New Zealand A, which is slated to begin on Monday, August 28. Notably, Adam Voges, who has coached Western Australia and Perth Scorchers to consecutive domestic trebles across the Sheffield Shield, Marsh Cup, and the BBL, will head the coaching department of Australia A.

Voges acknowledged Paine’s role in the setup and stated that his former teammate could provide invaluable experience to help the young lads in the team.

"I have had a fair bit to do with Tim over the journey and I'm really excited for him to start to dip his toe into coaching post-career and looking forward to him being around the group. To have a former Australian captain in amongst it and to be able to lean on him and for him to provide that experience to a couple of the younger players I think will be great,” said Voges.