Former Australian Test captain Tim Paine has once again showcased his witty side on social media, this time poking fun at a spinner’s hilarious delivery. Paine, who was recently appointed as the head coach of the Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season, shared a video on Twitter of a spinner hilariously botching a delivery, with the ball slipping out of his hand and falling far short of the pitch.
The video, originally posted by @SENTassie, joked about the Strikers’ potential interest in the hapless spinner, stating, “We’ve heard the Strikers have committed to selecting this world-class spinner with their pick.” Paine joined in the fun, quipping, “If only we had some space left in the salary cap for this mystery spinner.”
Paine’s appointment as the head coach of the Strikers marks the latest step in his rapid ascent through the coaching ranks. After serving as an assistant to Jason Gillespie last season, Paine was named head coach following Gillespie’s departure. His new role will see him leading a Strikers team that has shown great promise, particularly with their strong finish to the last BBL season, where they secured a spot in the finals.
Paine’s light-hearted approach on social media contrasts with his serious commitment to his coaching duties. He has already been active in the development of young talent, including his involvement with NT Strike in the Top End T20 series and his previous stint as an assistant coach for Australia A.
As Paine prepares to lead the Strikers into BBL14, fans can expect a blend of his cricketing acumen and his characteristic humour, both on and off the field. Paine’s appointment as head coach is a testament to his dedication to the sport and his ability to connect with players and fans alike.