Australian Test skipper Tim Paine on Friday confirmed his availability for the upcoming season of the Sheffield Shield. Paine has been suffering from hamstring tendonitis and currently under the rehabilitation and nursing his injury.
The Sheffield Shield tournament will begin in the next week and Tasmania will play in the tournament opener in Adelaide.
Paine revealed he has lost significant weight staying in Hobart during the COVID-19 pandemic and focussing on achieving the right amount of weight.
“I did a bit too much running there at one point and I’m carrying a bit of hamstring tendonitis as a result,” he told SEN Radio.
“Think I’m getting a bit old, but just tried to get myself very fit and probably ended up going a bit too far and losing a bit too much weight so the last month or so I’ve been given a bit of a free rein which has been lovely.” he further stated.
India is scheduled to tour Australia for the Test and limited-overs series beginning mid-December in Adelaide. However, the official confirmation with the complete schedule and date is yet to be announced. So the players can currently focus on the ongoing competition starting next week.
Tim Paine will be featuring in the Sheffield Shield alongside Joe Burns, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon.
“Everyone is looking forward to it, getting back on the park for their states and especially for our Test players to be able to prepare with three or four Shield games before such a big series [against India] which I’ll be really important for us.” the 35-year-old said.
