Tim Paine steps down as Australia Test captain over ‘sexting’ scandal

Australian Test captain Tim Paine has stepped down from the role less than a month ahead of the Ashes series over an alleged ‘sexting’ scandal, where he allegedly sent explicit messages to a female colleague at Cricket Tasmania in 2017. Paine announced his resignation at a presser on Friday. 

“Tim felt it was in the best interests of his family and Australian cricket to take this decision to step down as captain,” Cricket Australia chairman Richard Freudenstein said in a statement. 

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“While the Board acknowledges an investigation cleared Tim of any breach of the code of conduct regarding this matter some years ago, we respect his decision. CA does not condone this type of language or behaviour.”

“Despite the mistake he made, Tim has been an exceptional leader since his appointment and the Board thanks him for his distinguished service. Tim will continue to be available for selection in the Test team through the Ashes summer.”

Paine was investigated by CA over the messages, which according to the Herald Sun, were sent on the morning and the eve of the first Ashes Test at the Gabba, Brisbane in 2017. Along with the messages, Paine also sent an explicit image of himself, according the Herald Sun. 

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A Fox Sports report claims the woman, in a correspondence with CA in 2018, said she was offended by “Mr Paine’s sexually explicit, unwelcome and unsolicited photograph of his genitals in addition to the graphic sexual comments”.  

While CA are yet to confirm a new captain, fast bowler Pat Cummins is all set to take over the reins from Paine. He will become Australia’s 47th Test captain and the first pacer to lead the Test side in 65 years. 

The uncapped pair of Alex Carey and Josh Inglis are among the favourites to replace Paine as the wicketkeeper if he is not fit for the opening Test at the Gabba on December 8. 

Paine was appointed Test captain following the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in 2018 that rocked Australian cricket.