Former Australia Test Captain Tim Paine Announces Retirement from all Cricket

Low-Key Departure

Former Australia Test captain Tim Paine has surprised onlookers by announcing his retirement from all cricket.

Following the conclusion of Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield match against Queensland at Bellerive Oval in Hobart, the wicketkeeper was given a guard of honour as he made a low-key departure from the game.

Australia’s 46th Test Skipper

Paine skippered Australia in 23 Tests between early 2018 and 2021, and played 35 Tests overall.

He became Australia’s 46th Test skipper after Steve Smith was stood down in the wake of the infamous ball-tampering scandal on Australia’s 2018 tour of South Africa.

Career Stats

Paine, who debuted against Pakistan at Lords in 2010, averaged 32.63 in Test matches with a highest-score of 92 and made 157 dismissals behind the stumps.

He also played 35 One-Day Internationals for Australia.

Final Outing

The 38-year-old’s final outing was very subdued, with the captains of Tasmania and Queensland agreeing to an early finish at tea on day four.

Queensland opener Bryce Street hit an unbeaten 102 to help his side to 1-184 – still 248 runs from victory when the match was declared a draw.

Longevity and Legacy

The Hobart-born Paine represented Tasmania over 18 years after debuting in 2005, playing 153 first-class matches.

“He has been a phenomenal player, it is an incredible effort to have the longevity that he has had,” Tasmania captain Jordan Silk said.

“I’m sure a lot of guys will say there has never been as good a keeper as Tim Paine in Australia.

“Considering his age, the standard of keeping he has been able to maintain has been really incredible.

“He sets a great example with his work ethic for all our guys.

“We have been incredibly blessed down here and we wish him all the best in whatever he chooses going forward.”

Surprise Retirement

His retirement stunned the commentators.

“This looks awfully like a farewell for Tim Paine … wow, what a moment,” they said.

“That looks like it’s it. No fuss. That was the Paine way.”

Credit: https://7news.com.au/sport/cricket/former-australia-test-captain-tim-paine-receives-guard-of-honour-after-retiring-from-all-forms-of-cricket-c-10072399

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