Tasmanian Tim Paine looks set to remain Australian captain up until at least the Indian Test series

The 35-year-old's financial security was also assured for at least 12 months during Thursday's announcement.

Paine was named one of two Tasmanians in Cricket Australia's list of contracted players for a 2020-21 season.

Paine had brushed aside voluntarily retiring from the game at the end of the season after only first returning back to the Australian team after an eight-year absence.

He took over the captaincy just on two years ago in the midst of the infamous ball tampering Test in Cape Town after just securing the keeping role four months earlier.

There was speculation that Paine would be replaced by incumbent Test wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who was also awarded a national contract.

ELSEWHERE IN SPORT

Matthew Wade, a former Australian keeper who gave up the gloves for Tasmania to focus solely on batting, was contracted for another 12 months on the back of a solid Test campaign against Pakistan and New Zealand.

The 32-year-old's highest score all summer was 60 in his only half-century, but still averaged 43.4 over five Tests.

Tigers batter Nicola Carey again is the only Tasmanian woman contracted.

Carey was a member of Australia's successful World Cup squad, scoring five not out and then 1-23 in the final.

Tasmanian teammate and Greater Northern Raiders pace bowler Belinda Vakewera missed out on a deal after starring in Australia A games against cup finalists India.

Subscriptions are available here.

Sign up to our Sport email here.