Former Australian wicketkeeper Tim Paine has been dropped by Tasmania for the upcoming Sheffield Shield match against South Australia – the first game for the Redbacks since the fatal injury suffered by Phil Hughes.

The match at Blundstone Arena had been in limbo but will go ahead beginning on Tuesday after both teams agreed they were were ready to return to action.

Tigers coach Dan Marsh admitted Paine was not happy at being omitted, with Ben Dunk to take over the wicketkeeping duties.

“It was a very tough decision, his keeping has been outstanding throughout the season, but he hasn’t made enough runs with the bat,” said Marsh.

“He’s not the only one in the top order not making runs but we need more out of him with the bat.

“We want to be making 350 with the bat.

“Ben Dunk went away last week and made a double century in the futures league after being omitted in the last game.”

Paine has played 26 ODIs and boasts a Test batting average of 35.88, but has managed only 88 runs in six Shield innings this season at an average of 14.66.

“When any player isn’t getting the runs they want it’s tough,” said Marsh.

“The hardest thing about it is it becomes a real mental battle to try and get that score that you’re desperately looking for and unfortunately he hasn’t been able to do that.

“I’ve got full faith that he’ll be able to turn that around and perform.

“I think he’s a quality player who is just a bit down on form.”

The Redbacks will be without Adam Zampa, Kane Richardson and Daniel Worrall.

Marsh acknowledged the beginning of play could be quite emotional, given Hughes suffered the fatal injury in SA’s previous match when he was hit in the neck by a bouncer from NSW paceman Sean Abbott.

“It will be an interesting morning tomorrow I think, but once they get underway I think it’s what Phillip Hughes would have wanted, for the game to go on and we’ll certainly be honouring that from a Tasmanian perspective,” said Marsh.

“We’re as ready as we can be.

“It’s been a tough couple of weeks but everyone in our squad has played some cricket since.”