Ashes 2021-22: Tim Paine embroiled in sexting scandal, resigns as Australia captain

Tim Paine has resigned as Australia captain after being investigated by Cricket Australia over sending a co-worker an explicit image of himself along with a string of lewd messages.

The governing body has accepted the resignation, a decision Paine said he made as he was aware the investigation by the body’s integrity unit would be made public.

“I’m announcing my decision to stand down as the captain of the Australian men’s Test team,” Paine told a media conference in the Tasmanian capital of Hobart.

“It’s an incredibly difficult decision, but the right one for me, my family, and cricket.

“On reflection, my actions in 2017 do not meet the standard of an Australian cricket captain, or the wider community.”

Notably, Paine took over as captain from Steve Smith after the star batsman was banned for two years from leadership roles for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal that brought disrepute to Australia in South Africa.

In a statement, Cricket Australia said, “The Board has accepted Tim’s resignation and will now work through a process with the national selection panel of identifying and appointing a new captain.

“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.

“Tim will continue to be available for selection in the Test team through the Ashes summer.”