Tigers twist as Paine handed Shield return

Former Test wicketkeeper Tim Paine has been recalled to Tasmania's Sheffield Shield side for the first time in almost a year, less than a week after conceding his playing days could be coming to an end.

Paine played just four Shield matches last season and has been restricted to Futures League and club cricket this summer, but in the wake of coach Dan Marsh's sacking last week, the 32-year-old has been named to return to first-class cricket.

Paine is uncontracted for next season and last week told cricket.com.au that his continued absence from Tasmania's Shield side meant is future in the game was up in the air.

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But the Tigers have moved quickly to ensure Paine's return to the senior side, making the unusual decision to confirm he will play the match against NSW next week despite not yet announcing their full squad for the game.

"Tim's wicketkeeping remains at a very high standard and he has played consistently well at Premier League and Futures League level all season and fully deserves his inclusion," said chairman of selectors Michael Farrell.

"His confidence from these performances and selection in the current T20 matches for Australia make it a perfect time for him to represent Tasmania at Sheffield Shield level again.

"This selection is a reward for quality performances with both the gloves and bat, and continued excellence in upholding the trademarks with which the Tasmanian cricket deem important."

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Farrell also confirmed Ben McDermott will play against the Blues while out-of-form duo Jake Doran and Jordan Silk have been dropped, along with leg-spinner Cameron Boyce.

The dumped trio have instead been included in Tasmania's Futures League squad to take on the ACT this week. Farrell confirmed the full squad for the Shield game will be named during the Futures League game.

Speaking last Tuesday, two days before Marsh was sacked, Paine told cricket.com.au that the end of his career "could be a month or two away", despite earning a recall to Australia's T20 side this week for his first match in national colours in more than six years.

Paine admitted he was already considering his life beyond cricket, although he was still hopeful of playing more first-class cricket for his beloved Tigers.

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"I don't think I'm there just yet, but I could be a month or two away from that," Paine said when asked if cricket is no longer his top priority. "That's just the reality of it.

"I'm as keen as I've ever been to play for Tasmania ... and I'm rapt to be playing for Australia this week.

"But if things don't work out, then it's time for me to move on to other things and I'm also looking forward to that."

Asked if he could see the end of his career in the near future, Paine replied: "Possibly. I'm prepared for that. But I'm really keen to play more Shield cricket and I feel I've got years of good cricket left in me. But all I can do is perform well and those decisions are made by other people."

What Marsh's exit does to Paine's chances of a new contract remains unclear, adding to what is set to be a fascinating off-season of upheaval in the Apple Isle.

Although the mooted return to the Tigers of Test and ODI keeper Matthew Wade for next season is undoubtedly a blow to Paine's chances of retention.

Cricket Tasmania have confirmed they will complete a thorough review following the departure of Marsh, who had been unable to lead the Tigers to the finals of either the Sheffield Shield or the one-day competition since taking over in 2013.