Former Australian captain Tim Paine has been named the new head coach of the Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL 14) season. Paine, who served as an assistant to Jason Gillespie during the previous season, stepped into the role following Gillespie’s departure. The South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) has recently decided to separate the state and BBL coaching positions, with Ryan Harris being confirmed as South Australia’s new head coach last week.
Paine’s rise through the coaching ranks has been swift. The former Australian captain is currently involved with NT Strike in the Top End T20 series and was an assistant coach under Adam Voges for Australia A last season. He has also contributed to the development of the Under-19 setup and the women’s team. Paine had previously expressed interest in the BBL coaching role, particularly if the men’s coaching jobs were to be split.
“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 BBL|14 in December,” Paine said in a statement. “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 had a strong finish to last season, securing four consecutive victories to clinch a spot in the finals. They then defeated the defending champions, Perth Scorchers, in the Knockout before falling to the eventual winners, Brisbane Heat, in the Challenger.
Paine’s first major task as head coach will be overseeing the BBL draft, scheduled for September 1, alongside Strikers’ captain Matt Short. The Strikers hold draft picks 5, 11, 20, and 29. The club has yet to confirm any pre-draft signings.
One of the Strikers’ key players, Rashid Khan, has been a consistent presence for the team, though his participation in the upcoming season remains uncertain due to a potential overlap with his commitments to MI Cape Town in the SA20 league. On a positive note, Chris Lynn will be available for the entire BBL season after signing a new one-year deal, following his early departure from the tournament last year to participate in the ILT20.
