Former Australia Test skipper Tim Paine bids farewell to first-class cricket

Tim Paine. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

Former Australia Test skipper Tim Paine recently bid a quiet farewell to first-class cricket. Tasmania’s draw against Queensland was the final hurray of Paine’s domestic career. However, he had not made any public announcements before the game that it would be his last, but he made it known to his domestic side before the game.

After the match was drawn to a close earlier than expected, Paine was given a guard of honour for his fabulous career in domestic cricket. The 38-year-old did not officially attend a press conference to announce his retirement, but Tasmania skipper Jordan Silk confirmed Paine’s retirement.

Paine has had a remarkable first-class career, playing 154 first-class matches, which includes 35 Tests and 95 Sheffield Shield appearances for Tasmania. He scored 6940 runs with a best score of 215. He scored three centuries during his career.

He’s been a phenomenal player: Jordan Silk

As Paine made no announcement about his retirement, Tasmania skipper Jordan Silk shared the news about the 38-year-old’s farewell from first-class cricket.

He’s been a phenomenal player; I think it’s around 22 years of professional cricket. It’s an incredible effort to have the longevity that he’s had. He’s undoubtedly going to be missed behind the stumps. I certainly won’t play, and I’m sure many guys playing now will say there will never be another keeper as good as Tim Paine in Australia. So we’ve been incredibly blessed down here. And we wish him all the best in whatever he chooses going forward,” Silk said to ESPNcricinfo.

“Considering his age, the level of the standard of keeping and what he’s still been able to generate has been incredible. He’s always someone you know is doing the work behind the scenes. I think he sets a great example for work ethic and all that sort of stuff for all of our guys,” he added.