Timothy David Paine is an Australian international cricketer, born on 8 December 1984, who currently captains the Australian national team in Test cricket. A right-handed batsman and a wicket-keeper, he plays for the Tasmanian Tigers in Australian domestic cricket and has also been the captain of the Hobart Hurricanes before his selection for Australia in the 2017–18 Ashes series.

After former Australian captain Steve Smith admitted to involvement in a ball-tampering incident during the Third Test against South Africa in March 2018, Smith and vice-captain David Warner stood down from their positions mid-match. Paine was announced as the interim captain for the final two days, although only one was required to complete the match. He was confirmed as the 46th Captain of the Australian Test side on 28 March 2018.

At 16, Paine became Australian domestic cricket's youngest-ever contracted player when he received a basic A$10,000 rookie contract with Tasmania—an innovation in Australian cricket after Cricket Australia allowed rookie contracts for youngsters. Paine, in the past has captained Tasmania at Under-15 and Under-17 level, along with being a member of its Under-19 team at the mere age of fifteen. He was vice-captain of the Australian Under-17, before scoring a first-class century for his University at Hobart. As a junior, Paine was already a talented Australian rules player—considered good enough to make the Australian Football League and his brother Nick, one of four siblings, plays in the Tasmanian Football League with the Clarence Football Club. Paine's uncle, Robert Shaw, was an AFL player and coach. He attended secondary school at Bayview Secondary College and Rosny College.

Tim Paine made his ODI debut against Scotland at Grange Cricket Club on 28th August 2009. Tim has been a part of 35 ODI matches for Australia and has scored 890 runs under his belt. His tally includes 1 hundred and 5 fifties with 111 being his highest score in a match. His average is 27.81 and his strike rate stands at 70.8. He was last seen in an ODI against England at Emirates Old Trafford on 24th June 2018.

Tim Paine made his test debut against Pakistan at Lord’s on 13th July 2010. Since then he has played in 31 test matches for Australia and has scored 1331 runs so far. His tally includes 7 fifties with 92 being his highest score. His average stands 31.69 and holds a strike 44.28. He last played a test match against New Zealand at Sydney Cricket Ground on 3rd Jan 2020.

Tim Paine made his debut against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium on 20th April 2011 for the Pune Warriors. He has played just 2 matches so far and still has along way to go.

He made his T20 debut against England at Emirates Old Trafford on 30th August 2009. He has played 12 matches and has scored 82 runs so far. He is still fresh in this format and needs a lot more time on the crease to prove his mettle. He is far better than what the stats show. He was last seen playing a match against India at the Rajiv Gandhi International stadium on 13th October 2017.

The Australian team has been looking for a formidable wicket-keeper ever since Brad Haddin moved out of the picture and Tim Paine is just the guy for the job. He is quick, he looks raw with his bat and can also take the responsibility of the team as a leader. This is what makes him the right choice for Australia.