Former Australian cricket captain Tim Paine set to return for Tasmania after sexting scandal
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Former Aussie skipper Tim Paine returns to the field for Tasmania despite spat over sexting scandal with one of his colleagues
- One-time Australian test captain Tim Paine plays for Tasmania this Thursday
- Will end 11 month hiatus from premier cricket, some feared Paine would retire
- Retired as Australian skipper last November after sexting scandal
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Disgraced Australian Test Captain Tim Paine will make his long-awaited return to first-class cricket with Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield on Thursday.
Paine, 37, has been named in a 13-man squad to face Queensland at Allan Border Field in Albion.
After stepping down as Australian skipper in November last year following a sexting scandal involving one-time Cricket Tasmania staffer Renee Ferguson, some feared the wicketkeeper would be lost to the sport for good.
There were also concerns about Paine’s mental health after the saga – which took place privately in 2017 – went public.
The case was investigated by Cricket Australia the following year after Ferguson complained, but Paine was acquitted of wrongdoing at the time.
Former Australian test captain Tim Paine will make his first-class cricket return for Tasmania in the Sheffield Shield on Thursday
Paine stepped down as Australian skipper last November following a sexting scandal involving one-time Cricket Tasmania employee Renee Ferguson (pictured) who rose to fame
Before falling out of favor, Paine had led the Aussie team admirably since the 2018 Sandpapergate ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.
Following his shocking appointment, Paine was portrayed as the savior of Australian cricket after Captain Steve Smith and Vice-Captain David Warner were both suspended for 12 months for discrediting the sport.
Opening batsman Cameron Bancroft served a nine-month ban.
Paine, a married father of two, is looking forward to an emotional comeback after an 11-month hiatus and has lately been keeping his attention by showing off for University in Tasmanian club cricket.
“He’s been training the most sessions with us in the last five or six weeks,” said Tasmania head coach Justin Vaughan.
Physically I’m fine, emotionally I’m fine. I’m sure everyone would agree that we’re confident in his wicketkeeping skills and his leadership skills.”
The case was investigated by Cricket Australia the following year after Ferguson complained – but Paine (pictured with wife Bonnie) was acquitted of wrongdoing
The father of two, 37, hasn’t played first-class cricket in 11 months, with his mental health a priority
Paine is said to be in “exceptional physical condition” and may also be in the… Big Bash this summer, with the Hobart Hurricanes as early favorites for his signature.
His world collapsed last year after details emerged of the explicit lyrics, including a photo of his genitals, featuring Ferguson.
In one exchange, Paine reportedly wrote, “Want to taste my d**? F**k me, I’m seriously h***.’
Another text read ‘must ease the tension… then kill me with those lips’.
In August, Ferguson faced the Hobart Magistrates Court for stealing charges.
Police allege Ferguson stole $5,600 from Cricket Tasmania, where she worked from 2015 to 2017.
Ms Ferguson has denied the allegations and is suing Cricket Tasmania over allegations that she was subjected to sexual harassment by multiple employees, including Paine.
Both cases are ongoing.
Tim Paine’s Rise and Dramatic Fall in Sexting Scandal
Australian captain Tim Paine walks to change ends during a cricket test against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground, in Sydney, Australia on January 9, 2021
2010: Tim Paine makes his test debut against Pakistan, replacing the injured Brad Haddin, but is dumped upon the return of the incumbent
April 2016: Paine marries Bonnie Maggs
November 17, 2017: Admitted Shock Reminder for Ashes Series
November 22-23, 2017: Paine sends obscene messages to a female colleague on the eve and morning of the first Ashes Test in Brisbane. The couple had exchanged texts throughout the year
January 2018: Selected for squadron to tour South Africa
March 25, 2018: Appointed interim captain after Steve Smith and David Warner resign over ‘sandpapergate’ scandal involving balls
March 28, 2018: Paine is named captain for the 4th Test of the series, becoming the 46th Australian side captain
April 2018: Awarded a national contract by Cricket Australia
June 2018: Cricket Australia and Cricket Tasmania are made aware of the reports and are investigating a complaint from the woman. Paine claims he was acquitted during the investigation. His wife Bonnie was aware of the messages but chose to stay with him
2018 – 2021: Paine continues as test captain and retains the Ashes in England in 2019
November 19, 2021: Paine resigns as full details of the explicit posts surface