Tim Paine appointed Adelaide Strikers head coach ahead of BBL

Former Australia captain Tim Paine has been appointed as the head coach of the Bash League (BBL) side Adelaide Strikers. Paine was Jason Gillespie's assistant last season and will replace the former pacer, who recently took over as the head coach of the Pakistan's Test side. Moreover, the South Australia Cricket Association (SACA) has decided to split the state and BBL jobs, with Ryan Harris recently confirmed as the head coach for their state side.

Paine has dipped his feet in many coaching jobs in the recent past. He is currently working with the NT Strike in the Top End T20 series. The former Tasmania captain was also Adam Voges' assistant coach with Australia A and has worked with the Under-19 men's and senior women's team of the country.

"I am honoured and excited by the opportunity to coach such a well-established and strongly supported club, and I can't wait for the start of BBL14 in December," Paine said.

"After spending time in Adelaide last year, I believe the Strikers team and the whole of South Australian cricket has huge potential and I'm looking forward to being part of taking it forward and winning a few trophies."

The Strikers went on a late flourish last season, registering four consecutive wins to make it to the finals. They beat Perth Scorchers in the knockout before losing to Brisbane Heat in the Challenger. 

Paine, who had to resign as Australia captain just ahead of the 2021-22 Ashes under controversial circumstances, will oversee the BBL draft along with skipper Matthew Short on September 1. 

One of their star players, Rashid Khan, will not be available for the entire tournament as the BBL will overlap with SA20, where the leg-spinner is expected to be available for all the matches for MI Cape Town. However, they have been boosted by the availability of Chris Lynn, who signed a new one-year deal after leaving the tournament early last season to play in the International League T20 (ILT20).

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