Test captain Tim Paine has been forced out of Tasmania’s Sheffield Shield clash with Victoria after waking up ill

Test captain Tim Paine was forced out of Friday’s Sheffield Shield game at the MCG after waking up ill.

Paine was set to skipper the Tigers against Victoria in the first Shield match at the MCG since 2019.

But due to strict COVID-19 protocols Paine was unable to take his place, with Jackson Bird taking over as skipper.

“Painey has woken up ill this morning & due to COVID protocols won‘t be able to take part in the match,” Cricket Tasmania said on Twitter.

“Bird will captain the side, (Jake) Doran will be behind the stumps & Dools (Alex Doolan) is back in the line up.”

.@VicStateCricket has won the toss & we'll bat first at the @MCG ?

Painey has woken up ill this morning & due to COVID protocols won't be able to take part in the match.

Bird will captain the side, Doran will be behind the stumps & Dools is back in the line up ?#WeAreTigerspic.twitter.com/5ebsRnACZO

After 454 days, we're back playing at home on the @MCG ?

Pete's won the toss! We'll be bowling first. #SheffieldShieldpic.twitter.com/6eSuiviLQh

Victoria won the toss and sent the visitors in to bat.

Former Test fast bowler Peter Siddle is playing against his state for the first time after crossing to Tassie when Victoria didn’t offer him another contract.

“There’s been bit of banter on that WhatsApp group about whether he was a traitor or not. But it’s just banter,” Victorian coach Chris Rogers said.

“It’s what happens in the modern world. At the time Victoria, we felt like we were going in a different direction, everyone moves on. It’s only cricket.”

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