PAINE STORM
Aussie captain quits in shame 3 weeks before Ashes
TIM PAINE dropped a bombshell on Australia’s Ashes plans by stepping down as captain just three weeks before the first Test in Brisbane.
Paine, 36, resigned with immediate effect after details of a ‘sexting’ scandal from four years ago were about to be made public.
The wicketkeeper’s decision has left the Aussies scrambling for a new leader ahead of the start of the series, with vice-captain Pat Cummins favourite to step up.
In a tearful press conference Paine admitted lewd messages and intimate photos sent by him to a former employee of Cricket Tasmania in 2017 left him with no option but to stand down.
“It’s an incredibly difficult decision, but the right one for me, my family and cricket,” said Paine.
“My actions in 2017 do not meet the standard of an Australian cricket captain or the wider community.
“I’m deeply sorry for the hurt and pain I have caused.
“I believe that it is the right decision for me to stand down as captain, effective immediately.
“I do not want this to become an unwelcome disruption to the team ahead of the Ashes.”
Questions will be raised about Cricket Australia’s role in the debacle, given they hushed up an internal inquiry into the incident which found no breach of their own Code of Conduct.
Of more concern to Test coach Justin Langer will be the prospect of Cummins having to lead Australia without any previous captaincy experience.
Both Paine and Cricket Australia confirmed that the player will remain available for selection in the Ashes.
“I look forward with anticipation to what is a huge Ashes tour,” Paine said.
The first Test at the Gabba December 8.