An "emotionally sound" Tim Paine is ending his exile from elite cricket and making a comeback in Sheffield Shield ranks for Tasmania.
The former Test captain has been included in Tasmania's squad for the Shield game against Queensland starting on Thursday in Brisbane.
The 37-year-old quit the Test captaincy in November last year after a 2017 sexting controversy came to light.
"He has been training with us the last couple of months," Tasmania's coach Jeff Vaughan told reporters on Tuesday.
"And it wasn't until we selected over the last week or two, firstly his name was on the table for one-day cricket and then he was on the table last week when we selected (the Shield).
"And it was quite unanimous that everyone wanted one of the world's best wicketkeepers into our side."
Paine hasn't played a first-class game since April last year - after November's revelations, he took a summer-long break from the sport.
He returned in Hobart grade ranks last Sunday, taking a catch and making an unbeaten 20 in a one-dayer.
"It was nice for him to get out there and play a game of cricket again," Vaughan said.
"He was quite nervous before that match."
Vaughan backed Paine to settle quickly for the Tigers despite a brief tune-up for his 148th first-class game.
"We have absolute faith and trust in Tim and his preparation," Vaughan said.
"Physically he is probably in the greatest spot of his physical career, emotionally he is sound.
"He has been training really well with us the last two months.
"We have got full faith in his wicketkeeping skillset so he has ticked all of the boxes."
Batsman Jordan Silk will captain Tasmania in the Shield game at Allan Border Field, with Matthew Wade and Nathan Ellis unavailable due to national Twenty20 commitments.
Tasmania's 13-man squad: Jordan Silk (capt), Jackson Bird, Jake Doran, Jarrod Freeman, Caleb Jewell, Riley Meredith, Ben McDermott, Tim Paine, Sam Rainbird, Peter Siddle, Charlie Wakim, Tim Ward, Beau Webster.
