Photo Credit: Adelaide Strikers
Former Australia men’s Test captain Tim Paine has been appointed Head Coach of the Adelaide Strikers for the next two years.
Paine served as assistant coach to Jason Gillespie last summer after calling time on his decorated playing career in 2022, and was instrumental in the team’s barnstorming finish to BBL|13 that saw them within a win of reaching the title decider.
His coaching credentials also include a stint as assistant coach for Australia A in their 2023 series against New Zealand which featured current Strikers captain Matt Short, fast bowler Henry Thornton and recent signing Jordan Buckingham.
Furthermore, Paine has worked as coach and mentor with Australia’s Under-19 program and is currently in Darwin as assistant coach with NT Strike in the Top End T20 Series.
“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.
“Having been on the losing side when the Strikers defeated Hobart Hurricanes to claim their first title win in BBL|07, I can vouch for the fantastic atmosphere created by the fans at Adelaide Oval.
“And the backing the boys received last season was a large factor in the success we experienced in the second half of BBL|13, so we’re working hard to build on that momentum in the coming summer.
“I believe we have an immensely talented and versatile squad which we will finalise over the next few weeks.”
South Australia Cricket Association Chief Executive Officer Charlie Hodgson congratulated Paine on his appointment and noted the former Test captain whose international career spanned from 2009-2021 had impressed on multiple levels during the recruitment process.
“Tim’s leadership qualities, tactical insights and ability to foster a strong and united team environment within the Strikers’ playing group was a significant factor in the team’s success in reaching last summer’s Challenger Final,” Hodgson said.
“We are also delighted with his clear vision to ensure the Strikers remain closely involved and strongly aligned to South Australia’s cricket development programs, and to further enhance the club’s standing among the State’s loyal and passionate cricket fans.”
Paine represented Australia in 35 Tests (23 of those as captain) as well as 35 One Day Internationals and 12 T20 Internationals during his 17-year senior playing career.
Renowned as the premier gloveman in Australia during his playing days, he also scored almost 6,500 first-class runs (including three centuries) and more than 5,600 runs in limited-overs cricket.
He was a member of Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield-winning outfit in 2006-07 and 2012-13, and their title-winning One Day Cup teams in 2007-08 and 2009-10.
Paine’s first formal duty as Adelaide Strikers coach will be attending the BBL|14 Player Draft on September 1, along with Strikers captain Matt Short.
Adelaide Strikers’ season begins against Sydney Thunder in Canberra on 17 December, before blockbuster Adelaide Oval home games against Melbourne Stars (December 20), Hobart Hurricanes (December 27), Perth Scorchers (New Year’s Eve), Brisbane Heat (January 11) and Sydney Sixers (January 15).
Strikers Memberships are now on sale with more information available at adelaidestrikers.com.au.
