Tim Paine’s 11-month exile from elite cricket is over, with the former Australia captain to make his comeback in Sheffield Shield ranks for Tasmania.
Paine has been included in Tasmania’s squad for the Shield game against Queensland starting on Thursday in Brisbane.
The 37-year-old quit the Test captaincy in November last year after a 2017 sexting controversy came to light.
Paine, who has not played a first-class game since April last year, returned in Hobart club ranks last Sunday, taking a catch and making an unbeaten 20 for University in a win against New Town.
Tasmania on Tuesday named a 13-man squad for the Shield game against the Bulls at Allan Border Field, with Matthew Wade and Nathan Ellis unavailable due to commitments with the national side.
Tasmania squad: Jordan Silk (c), Jackson Bird, Jake Doran, Jarrod Freeman, Caleb Jewell, Riley Meredith, Ben McDermott, Tim Paine, Sam Rainbird, Peter Siddle, Charlie Wakim, Tim Ward, Beau Webster.
Chappell backs Warner bid
David Warner’s leadership credentials continue to be promoted by key figures, with Greg Chappell the latest in a long line of retired greats to push for the opener to take the reins of the Australian one-day team.
Aaron Finch’s retirement from the 50-over format has created a captaincy void. Steve Smith and Pat Cummins appear the frontrunners, while Mitch Marsh is considered an outsider. In 13 months India will host ICC 50-over men’s World Cup and it could be argued there has been no greater white ball Australian player in those conditions than Warner, who will be 36 by the start of the tournament, across the last decade.
In a column for The Age and Sydney Morning Herald, Chappell detailed Warner’s rise to the top and advocated for Cricket Australia to reverse its lifetime ban on the New South Welshman. This follows public support from Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting, Allan Border, and the late Shane Warne.
“Everybody deserves a second chance,” wrote Chappell. “Warner has shown that he has been prepared to learn from his mistakes.”
He added: “Much like Warne, Warner is a lot smarter than those who have only known them via their media persona will ever know. Warner loves the game and has a deep understanding of it.
“There is no obvious successor to Finch as leader of the 50-over team. Smith will be considered, but the selectors might prefer him to focus on being the best batsman that he can be. Cummins has enough on his plate and won’t play all three formats consistently… Sure, he has made mistakes, but that is exactly why he should be considered.
“Nobody is without fault and if we could only select those who had never made a mistake, the position would have been vacant on many occasions in the past.”
In an interview with foxsports.com.au last week, Warner did not rule out a captaincy tilt but said his main focus was playing good cricket.
Stoinis injury leaves door open for David
Australian all-rounder Marcus Stoinis has remained in Perth instead of travelling to the Gold Coast for Australia’s upcoming T20I series against West Indies.
Stoinis will miss the Windies double header but is still a chance to be included when Australia head to Perth for the first of three T20Is against England on Sunday as they continue their preparations for their opening T20 World Cup clash on October 22. They will play one more warm-up game against India before their tournament opener against New Zealand.
Stoinis is still struggling to overcome a side strain suffered on September 8. Cricket Australia said he will link up with the squad at the weekend, but there remain doubts over his fitness and his availability to bowl. Stoinis the specialist batsman is no longer a lock in the Australian XI, with Tim David considered a red-hot chance to take his place in the middle order.
The West Australian has a history of side strains dating back to the 2019 World Cup. He flew home early from the ODI tour of Sri Lanka in June, though he recovered in time to play in The Hundred in England.
Chief selector George Bailey has said Cameron Green will only be included in the 15-man squad if there is an injury.
For now, David gets his chance and he’s looking forward to the opportunity. “When I was younger and I got released from the state system, I probably had to find a different way,” said David.
“It’s a setback to be released from the professional environment in Australia but it gave me an opportunity to look at things, work on different skills and just have fun with it. But it was a few years ago now and I’ve been really busy the last 18 months or so, so I can’t remember too much about it.
“I’ve been really fortunate, to have opportunities and make the most of those opportunities. So to end up here in the squad for a home World Cup is really exciting.
“I didn’t really set that out as a goal to be here (for a World Cup) … but to be in the group and try to add something to the team is really exciting.”
Australia’s first T20I against the West Indies is at Metricon Stadium on Wednesday.
Bumrah ruled out
India’s worst fears have been confirmed, with star bowler, Jasprit Bumrah officially ruled out of the upcoming T20 World Cup due to a back injury.
It’s a bitter blow for the Indians, who are already without all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja due to a knee complaint. Bumrah, 28, had already been ruled out for the T20 series against South Africa.
(Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
“The BCCI Medical team has ruled out team India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup squad. The decision was taken following a detailed assessment and in consultation with the specialists,” the Indian board said in a statement.
“The BCCI will be naming a replacement for Jasprit Bumrah in the squad for the marquee tournament soon.”
India’s exit before the semi-final stage of last year’s T20 World Cup was one of the surprises of the tournament. Their form hasn’t improved since, losing to Pakistan and Sri Lanka in September’s Asia Cup. India’s opening T20 World Cup game is against Pakistan at the MCG on October 23.
Bairstow’s long term pain
Jonny Bairstow’s operation on a broken leg and dislocated ankle was a success, but the re-born England batter won’t be seen on a cricket field until next year. Bairstow’s serious injuries were sustained walking onto a tee box playing golf and in an interview with The Telegraph, he said he “heard it snap straight away.”
His white ball form had been strong for years, but in 2022 the Yorkshireman excelled in the longest format, plundering six centuries in 10 Tests. Bairstow detailed exactly how he suffered his bizarre injury in an interview with journalist Will McPherson. “Normally when you slip you fall on your bum, which would have been fine as there’s plenty of cushion in there,” he told The Telegraph.
“Except this time I tried to regain my balance, my left ankle turned right, dislocated and my weight went through my left lower leg. I heard it snap straight away.
“I took a couple of steps down then slipped. By the time I crumpled into a heap, I was three-quarters of the way down. It’s all a blur, it happened so quickly.
“I yelped. Uncontrollable screams, the sort you hear on a rugby field. The adrenaline kicked in, and I knew I needed an ambulance. The next three hours without painkillers were not too fun.”
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West Indian dropped over flight mishap
West Indian cricketer Shimron Hetmyer has missed his rescheduled flight to Australia for family reasons and won’t play in the upcoming T20 World Cup. He’s been replaced by Shamarh Brooks in the squad.
“Whilst we changed Shimron’s flight from Saturday to Monday due to family reasons, it was made clear to him that if there were any further delays and issues with his travel to Australia then we would have no choice but to replace him in the squad, as we are not prepared to compromise the team’s ability to prepare for this extremely important global event,” West Indies director of cricket Jimmy Adams said.
Hetmyer, 25, only returned to the squad in July following nine months off due to personal and fitness issues.
Ace
Roar Rookie
Yep, just looked back on the final and saw his Fifty. Good attitude it would seem.Aggressive and an offie
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Nathan Lyon action, Nathan Lyon fielding, Nathan Lyon tail-end slogger. Remember his 50 in 20 odd balls in last year's final?
Ace
Roar Rookie
Thanks for pointing out Roccichiolli to me. I'll look him up I think ,as I said, that WA could take a touring party of 17 or 18 to most countries in representing Australia
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
I read it in the CA report.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Corey Roccichiolli took 4 wickets. We have that covered as well.
Ace
Roar Rookie
Hi Don. You must be extremely proud of young Wyllie. A ton in a dicey situation for WA. I've kept my eye on him ever since you alerted me to his performances in the under 18 World Cup Powerful team is WA. I was daydreaming that at full strength they could represent Australia in all formats ..perhaps another spinner, maybe
Clear as mud
Guest
extract from intro comments from Ethics Committee rpeort. prob worth reading again, it's 4 years old now... "Published reports of the ball-tampering incident, at Newlands in South Africa on March 24, 2018, acknowledge what occurred. A senior player, David Warner, led a more junior player, Cameron Bancroft, to apply sandpaper to the ball in order to induce swing. The captain of the Australian side, Steve Smith, set aside his suspicions and turned a blind eye to conduct that was, by any measure, outright cheating. Those are the reported facts. However, below the surface, there is a web of influences – including of goodintentions gone awry – that made ball-tampering more likely than not. Responsibility for that larger picture lies with CA and not just the players held directly responsible for the appalling incident at Newlands."
Clear as mud
Guest
in terms of the culture, the Ethics review looked into it and made those findings. it wasn't a case of the players trying to blame CA, CA were found extremely wanting. Waner is a real good batter but a bit past it now IMHO
The Knightwatchmen who say Nii
Roar Rookie
My gripe with Paine was not so much what he did, though it's not something that appeals to my tastes. My problem was that CA self-righteously sacked Smith as captain and replaced him with Paine because Paine was supposedly of superior moral fibre even though they (CA) knew about Paine's previous behaviour. And Paine accepted it all which makes him a hypocrite.
The Knightwatchmen who say Nii
Roar Rookie
Youngest player since Ponting to score a shield century.
Rellum
Roar Guru
It's a great effort from an 18 year old
JOHN ALLAN
Guest
When “Sandpapergate” was uncovered, I recall two early reactions: Smith “The leadership group were aware of it”when asked who knew about it. Secondly. Some player or players tried to blame CA as they had “instilled” a win at all costs mentality. Passing the buck? I admit that whilst I respect Warner’s ability as a batsman (not batter). I lost respect for him as a person when he was running in from a distance to give a departing batsman a “send off”. I’m not condoning the South African players or crowd for their behaviour in Capetown however if you dish it out you must be prepared to take it.
Rellum
Roar Guru
How do you know that? They do not have speed guns for Domestic One Dayers
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
I doubt anyone in the east has actually appreciated just how good Richardson is. I'm staggered that WA has gone along with this silly 'resting' game for Richo.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
While Morris is 145 k fast, Jhye Richardson was 147 K fast in the Marsh Cup against NSW.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
And has picked up his hundred. Matt Kelly is ticking along. Has an 89 to his name from last season.
Anth
Roar Rookie
Warner may be potentially smarter than I think. But in a line up of himself, Peter Griffen and Homer Simpson, Geez! I am at a loss to suggest who wasn’t dropped on their head repeatedly throughout their infancy.
Clear as mud
Guest
Wyllie is certainly grafting brilliantly today
WINSTON
Roar Rookie
I'm happy for Tim Paine, he was castigated by a bunch of sinless self righteous saints. One of modern societies biggest failures, social media warriors
Marty
Roar Rookie
Bumrah situation is not good. Stress fractions of the back and fast bowlers are not a good combination.