SYDNEY: Tim Paine, a former captain of Australia's Test team, is expected to play for the Hobart Hurricanes in the 2018 season of the Big Bash League (BBL). According to reports, club coach Jeff Vaughan said the 37-year-old may potentially fill the franchise's final open slot on the roster.

Prior to the Ashes series last year, Panie had resigned as Australia's Test captain due to the "sexting" scandal he had with a former Cricket Tasmania official in 2007. He was replaced by pace bowler Pat Cummins, who led Australia to a 4-0 victory at home over England.

Following a fruitful discussion with Cricket Tasmania CEO Dom Baker, Paine is also expected to resume playing first-class cricket for Tasmania in the 2022–2023 season. After being removed from Tasmania's list of contractual players in May of this year, it was believed that Paine's playing days were essentially over and that it was doubtful that he would find a way back into the team. Vaughan added the Hurricanes will discuss the last remaining spot on the BBL roster, but will defer the final call until some Sheffield Shield and domestic one-day games have been played.

Paine returned to Tasmanian cricket late last season in an unofficial coaching capacity after taking a break from the sport following his resignation as captain. The West Australian reported Hurricanes coach Vaughan as claiming that Paine had already been back in training for a few weeks.

Vaughan said, "He's two weeks back into his training regimen again (and has) been pretty good in the nets." "Physically and emotionally, (he) is in good shape. There is a chance, but he will only be one of many candidates we consider for that final job." 

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