Cricket-Former Australia captain Paine omitted from state contracts

FILE PHOTO: Cricket - Ashes 2019 - Fifth Test - England v Australia - Kia Oval, London, Britain - September 15, 2019 Australia's Tim Paine celebrates with the Ashes urn after drawing the series to retain the Ashes Action Images via Reuters/Paul Childs

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Former Australia captain Tim Paine's playing career may be over, with the wicketkeeper omitted from Tasmania's list of contracted players.

Paine, 37, stepped down as test skipper in the leadup to the home Ashes series after a 'sexting' scandal and took an indefinite "mental health break" from the game.