Tim Paine Appointed Australia A Head Coach for 2025 Season

Tim Paine will take charge of Australia A men’s team for a packed schedule across the remainder of the year, as Cricket Australia begins laying the groundwork for the national side’s next generation.

The former Test captain and current Adelaide Strikers coach has been named head coach for 3 Australia A series, a move that marks a significant step in his coaching career.

Paine will guide the side in a multi-format series against Sri Lanka A in Darwin in July, followed by a tour of India for red and white-ball matches in September and October. The schedule also includes a 4 day match against England Lions later in the year.

He will balance his new duties alongside ongoing roles with the Strikers and occasional work with the Australian women’s team.

Paine, who captained Australia in 23 Tests, has been steadily building his coaching career in recent years. Having previously worked with Australia A as an assistant and led the Prime Minister’s XI, Paine now gets the opportunity to shape the next tier of national talent.

“It is time to spread my wings,” Paine said. “The Australia A program is very exciting, there is a lot of young talent to work with. I am really looking forward to this next part of my journey,” he added.

Cricket Australia’s Executive General Manager of National Teams, Ben Oliver, welcomed the appointment, describing Paine as a natural fit for the role. “Tim is passionate about supporting the next tier of future Australian players and brings a wealth of contemporary playing and coaching experience to the role,” Oliver said.

Paine will be supported by national pace bowling coach Adam Griffith, women’s team assistant coach Scott Prestwidge and Trent Keep from Northern Territory Cricket for the Sri Lanka A series.

Griffith will also cover as Australia’s bowling coach in the Caribbean in Daniel Vettori’s absence. Former New Zealand seamer James Franklin will step in for the third Test and T20Is, while Matthew Wade will join the coaching group for the T20 leg.

Meanwhile, uncontracted Queensland spinner Zanden Jeh has earned a surprise call up as the sole specialist spinner in the Australia A squad. He has not yet played first-class cricket but has shown promise at the second tier level.

Jeh impressed selectors with a 5 wicket haul in Second XI cricket last season. His inclusion is part of efforts to strengthen Australia’s depth in left-arm orthodox bowling.

With several senior Test players nearing retirement, Paine’s new role will be helpful in preparing the next generation for future challenges on the international stage.