Former Australian Test skipper Tim Paine has been given a guard of honour after departing Blundstone Arena for the final time.
The Tasmanian gloveman has called stumps on his 18-year cricket career after the Sheffield Shield match between Tasmanian and Queensland finished in a draw.
Paine bids farewell with a state record 296 dismissals from 95 First Class matches after debuting in 2005.
The 38-year-old was thrust into the flames as Australian captain in the wake of Sandpaper Gate in 2018, given the unenviable task, alongside Justin Langer, of rebuilding the national side in the longest format.
He went on to skipper in 23 Tests, winning 11, losing eight and drawing four.
He eventually handed over the reins to Pat Cummins after a sexting scandal but finished with 1534 runs at 32.63 across 35 outings.
After a brief break, he returned to the Tasmanian setup.
Paine made 42 in the first dig of his final match as the hosts amassed 7-479 and finished unbeaten on three when Tasmania declared the second innings.
Queensland did their best to chase down 431 runs for victory, with Bryce Street hitting an unbeaten 102 before both captains shook hands with the score 1-184, ending Queensland’s hopes of making the Shield final.
“He’s been a phenomenal player,” Tasmanian captain Jordan Silk said on Friday.
“It’s an effort to have the longevity that he’s had.
“He’s certainly going to be missed behind the stumps. I don’t think there will ever be another wicketkeeper as good as Tim Paine in Australia.
“We’ve been incredibly blessed down here, and we wish him all the best.”
