SEN’s Gerard Whateley has dismissed Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley’s claim that he would “love” to see Tim Paine return to Australia’s Test side.
Speaking on SEN Test Cricket on Thursday, Hockley praised Paine’s “exemplary” leadership during his stint as captain.
“While he’s made a big mistake, he’s owned it, and he’s stepped aside to prioritise and look after his family,” the CA chief said.
“We’re all very, very concerned to make sure Tim is well supported.
“Absolutely, we would love to see Tim play again for both his state and for Australia.
“We want to see him back out there playing and performing as quickly as possible.”
Paine resigned as Test skipper and took an indefinite mental health break from all forms of cricket on the eve of the Ashes series after last month’s sexting scandal.
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Despite Hockley’s suggestion, Whateley thinks there’s “absolutely no way” the 37-year-old plays for Australia again, adding the criticism of him being abandoned by Cricket Australia is “absolutely right”.
“I don’t want to be overly critical, but it’s an easy thing (for Hockley) to say, ‘I hope to see him back in the Australian team’,” he told SEN Breakfast.
“There’s absolutely no way Tim Paine plays for Australia again.
“Because theoretically it’s open, but Alex Carey is the new keeper will be the long-term keeper, and if something went amiss, if he broke his finger, it’ll be Josh Inglis. It’s not going to be Tim Paine.
“(Paine) can’t be cast out, and yet that criticism that he was abandoned is absolutely right.
“It’s an easy thing to say … he’s not getting back.”
Paine was replaced as captain by fast bowler Pat Cummins, who finished with figures of 5/38 in England’s first innings at the Gabba.