Paine made his Tasmanian debut as solely an opening batsman in November 2005, during an ING Cup one-day match against Western Australia in Perth, scoring 28 from 44 balls. His first-class debut came shortly after as an opener when Tasmania played South Australia in Hobart during December.
Paine debuted for Tasmania as the sole opening batsman in November 2005, playing a one-day match against Western Australia in Perth and scoring 28 runs from 44 deliveries. He then made his first-class debut shortly after as an opener when Tasmania played South Australia in Hobart during December.