Australian cricket's forgotten man, Tim Paine, plans to issue a reminder of his ability this weekend.

The Tasmanian wicketkeeper-batsman says he's completely over the hand problems which derailed his career - and he aims to prove it in Sunday's one-dayer against South Australia.

Paine endured three bouts of hand surgery, his discomfort doubled by Matthew Wade stealing his spot as heir apparent to national gloveman Brad Haddin.

"Two years out of the game, I have probably dropped back down the order," Paine said on Friday after captaining the Tigers to a Sheffield Shield win against the Redbacks.

"I'm really happy with where my game is but I realise I have to put in some time to build my numbers up."

Paine was realistic about adding this summer to his four Tests - "probably not".

He believed shorter formats were his likely avenue back into the Australian team.

"It's probably closer than the Test recall," said Paine, who has played 26 one-day internationals.

"But I'm not going to put any sort of timeframe on it.

"I'm just happy at the moment to be back playing for Tassie.

"But I think maybe the shorter formats might be my way back so it's important for me to start well on Sunday."