Klinger, Paine dropped for season-opener

The Alcohol. Think Again Western Warriors and Tasmanian Tigers have made tough calls to drop veterans Michael Klinger and Tim Paine for their day-night Sheffield Shield season-opener in Perth as the race for Ashes positions heats up.  

Klinger, 37, has not missed a match in the past four Sheffield Shield seasons since migrating West from South Australia.

But with WA boasting a stacked internationally-experienced line-up and numerous Ashes positions up for grabs, the Warriors stalwart has been forced to make way for Test candidates Cam Bancroft, Marcus Stoinis, Hilton Cartwright and brothers Mitch and Shaun Marsh.

The decision mirrors that made by the NSW Blues earlier in the week, who also axed last year's leading run-scorer and Steve Waugh medallist Ed Cowan in favour of 28-year old Daniel Hughes.

WA coach Justin Langer hinted earlier in the week that a tough call would have to be made regarding WA's star-studded batting line-up.

“There will be some headaches and some really tough decisions,” the former Test opener said. “We have been thinking about it for months but it is now crunch time and we will have to have a serious and formal discussion now.”

“We also know how important our fast bowlers have been and we have a few on the park, so there are a few question marks.

“Seven into six will provide a challenge."

Meanwhile recently-returned Australian T20 wicketkeeper Tim Paine has been left out of Tasmania's best XI in favour of former Victorian and Test gloveman Matthew Wade, who will make his first-class debut for the Tigers after making the move from Victoria last season. 

Fast bowler Matthew Kelly is making his first-class debut for WA, while Stoinis is playing his first match for the Warriors since 2009 after his decision to leave the Bushrangers at the end of last season.