Eight pins and a metal plate in his right index finger bear testament to the once-stalled cricket career of wicketkeeper Tim Paine, who makes a surprise return today after his shock selection for the Ashes. The Tasmanian's recall to the Australian Test team for the first time in seven years for the opener with England was greeted with widespread disbelief. It's been 78 Tests since Paine last wore the baggy green Australia cap, after a gruesome finger injury almost ended the 32-year-old gloveman's career.

Tim Paine