Tim Paine secures major role with Adelaide Strikers in BBL

Tim Paine, the former captain of the Australian cricket team, has been appointed as the new head coach of the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League (BBL). This announcement comes less than two years after Paine retired from his professional playing career. 

Paine was previously an assistant to Jason Gillespie, who recently left the position as the South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) decided to separate the coaching roles for the state and the BBL. Ryan Harris was appointed last week as the new head coach for South Australia.

Paine has been quick to climb the coaching ladder. He is currently coaching NT Strike in the Top End T20 series and has also worked as an assistant to Adam Voges with Australia A, as well as with the Under-19 setup and the women’s team. Paine had expressed his interest in the Strikers’ coaching role when it became available.

"I am honoured and excited by the opportunity to coach such a well-established and strongly supported club, and I can't wait for the start of BBL|14 in December," Paine said.

"After spending time in Adelaide last year, I believe the Strikers team and the whole of South Australian cricket has huge potential and I'm looking forward to being part of taking it forward and winning a few trophies," he further added.

The Adelaide Strikers had a strong finish to last season, winning four consecutive matches to secure a spot in the finals. They then defeated the defending champions, Perth Scorchers, in the Knockout round but were eventually knocked out by Brisbane Heat in the Challenger.

Paine’s international career ended under a cloud of controversy when he stepped down as captain just before the 2021-22 Ashes series. His first significant task as head coach will be to oversee the BBL draft with the Strikers’ captain, Matt Short, on September 1. The Strikers have the 5th, 11th, 20th, and 29th picks and are yet to make any pre-draft signings.