Former Australia captain Tim Paine has stepped into the role of head coach for Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League, following the division of state and BBL responsibilities previously held by Jason Gillespie. Paine, who served as Gillespie's assistant in the last season, swiftly transitioned into the head coach position after a brief hiatus from his playing career.
With a background in coaching ranging from Adam Voges' Australia A team to mentoring roles with the Under-19 and women's squads, Paine's experience sets a strong foundation for his new leadership role.Expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming BBL season, Paine shared his eagerness to work with the talented Strikers team and contribute to South Australian cricket's success.
The Strikers, known for their late surge in the previous season resulting in a playoff spot, have high hopes under Paine's guidance. Notably, Paine's international cricket journey concluded amidst controversy prior to the 2021-22 Ashes series, paving the way for his coaching endeavors.
As Paine gears up to lead the Strikers, his initial task involves collaborating with team captain Matt Short for the BBL draft in September. The team, slated with picks 5, 11, 20, and 29, anticipates strategic acquisitions to bolster their roster. Notably, star player Rashid Khan's availability with the team remains uncertain due to overlapping commitments with the SA20 league, adding anticipation to the upcoming BBL season.
Further adding to Strikers' strength is the retention of Chris Lynn for the entire tournament, bringing stability to the squad with his one-year contract extension. As Paine steps into his new role, the cricketing community awaits the strategic moves and coaching prowess that will define Adelaide Strikers' performance in the upcoming BBL|14 season.