Former Australia skipper Tim Paine set to return to domestic cricket after infamous 'sexting' scandal

Former Australia skipper Tim Paine is set to return to Australian First-Class cricket ten months after he had taken a break from the game over his involvement in the infamous 'sexting' scandal where he was accused by a receptionist at Cricket Tasmania of sending vulgar text messages dating back to 2017. The matter was investigated by Cricket Australia (CA) and Paine was found guilty. 

Meanwhile, the veteran wicketkeeper-batter has been named in Tasmania's squad for their opening Sheffield Shield fixture against Queensland this week that will be played in Brisbane. It now remains to be seen whether Tim Paine will be able to make the most of his second chance. 

It was quite unanimous: Jeff Vaughan

“Firstly his name was on the table for one-day cricket and then he was on the table last week when we selected (the Shield). And it was quite unanimous that everyone wanted one of the world’s best wicketkeepers into our side,” coach Jeff Vaughan told australia.com.au.​

”We have absolute faith and trust in Tim and his preparation. Physically he is probably in the greatest spot of his playing career, emotionally he is sound. He has been training really well with us the last two months. We have got full faith in his wicketkeeping skillset so he has ticked all of the boxes,” he added.

Tim Paine was all set to lead Australia in the 2021/22 edition of the  Ashes at home before the sexting scandal forced him to relinquish Test captaincy and take an indefinite break from the game. Pace sensation Pat Cummins was then appointed Australia red-ball captain and he led the hosts to a comprehensive 4-0 win.

There has been no looking back for Australia in Test cricket since then as they have done really well under Cummins' captaincy having topped the ICC Test team rankings and the WTC points table. The Aussies look firm favorites to make the final of the next year's ICC World Test Championship.