Hurricanes coach Jeff Vaughan mentioned Paine may doubtlessly fill the ultimate vacant spot on the franchise’s record.
“He’s two weeks back into his training schedule again [and has] been really good in the nets,” Vaughan mentioned on Tuesday. “[He’s] good physically, good emotionally. Look, there’s a chance, but he’ll be one of a number of players we’ll look at for that last position.”
Paine give up as Test skipper and stepped away from the game within the lead-up to final yr’s Ashes collection towards England after it was revealed he despatched lewd messages to a feminine Cricket Tasmania worker in 2007.
Vaughan mentioned Hurricanes would have discussions over coming days concerning the final roster spot, however could not make a name till some Sheffield Shield and home one-day cricket has been performed.
Hurricanes, who begin their BBL season on December 16 towards the Melbourne Stars, have wicketkeeper Matthew Wade and part-time gloveman Ben McDermott on their books.
“[Paine has] been keeping and telling us how good he’s going. We all have faith and trust in his keeping skill set,” Vaughan mentioned. “He’s very much training as he was 12, 18 months ago.”
Former Australia and Tasmania captain Ricky Ponting, who’s working as head of technique on the Hurricanes, has beforehand mentioned Paine would “fit perfectly” into the squad.
Paine has performed 43 matches for Hobart, the final in BBL07, and scored 1119 runs at a strike fee of 122 and common of 27.98.
The 27-year-old can be a part of the Tasmania squad, after making the swap from Queensland within the low season.
