Tim Paine has stood down as Australian Test captain after it emerged he had been investigated following a sexting scandal.
Tim Paine has stood down as Australian Test captain after it emerged he had been investigated by Cricket Australia following a sexting scandal.
The Herald Sun first revealed that Paine sent a former Cricket Tasmania employee a “d*** pic” and a series of lewd messages on the eve of the 2017/18 Ashes series.
According to theNews Corp report, the woman claimed she was offended by “Mr Paine’s sexually explicit, unwelcome and unsolicited photograph of his genitals in addition to the graphic sexual comments”.
Speaking to media in Hobart on Friday afternoon, Paine confirmed he had stepped down as Australian Test captain with immediate effect.
“Today, I’m announcing my decision to stand down as the captain of the Australian men’s Test team,” he said.
“It’s an incredibly difficult decision, but the right one for me, my family, and cricket.
“Nearly four years ago, I was involved in a text exchange with a then-colleague. At the time, the exchange was the subject of a thorough CA Integrity Unit investigation, throughout which I fully participated in and openly participated in. That investigation and a Cricket Tasmania HR investigation at the same time found that there had been no breach of the Cricket Australia Code of Conduct.
“Although exonerated, I deeply regretted this incident at the time, and still do today. I spoke to my wife and family at the time and am enormously grateful for their forgiveness and support.
“We thought this incident was behind us and that I could focus entirely on the team, as I have done for the last three or four years. However, I recently became aware that this private text exchange was going to become public.
“On reflection, 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 that I have caused to my wife, my family, and to the other party.
“I’m sorry for any damage that this does to the reputation of our sport. And 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 what is a huge Ashes series.
“I have loved my role as captain of the Australian cricket team. It’s been the greatest privilege of my sporting life to lead the Australian men’s Test team. I’m grateful for the support of my teammates and proud of what we’ve been able to achieve together. To them, I ask for their understanding and forgiveness.
“To Australian cricket fans — I’m deeply sorry that my past behaviour has impacted our game on the eve of the Ashes. For the disappointment I have caused to fans and the entire cricket community, I apologise.
“I’ve been blessed with a wonderful, loving and supportive family, and it breaks my heart to know how much I’ve let them down. They have always stood by me, been my most loyal fans, and I’m indebted to them for their support.
“I will remain a committed member of the Australian cricket team, and look forward with anticipation to what is a huge Ashes tour.”
The bombshell revelations come less than three weeks out from the first Ashes Test at the Gabba, which is scheduled to commence on Wednesday, December 8.
Paine married his wife Bonnie in 2016, and the couple have three children together — Milla, Charlie and Wilson.
Paine has played 35 Tests for Australia since making his international debut in 2009, scoring 1534 runs and claiming 157 dismissals in the game’s longest format.
He became Australia’s 46th Test captain after the infamous ball-tampering saga in 2018, taking over from Steve Smith. The Tasmanian led Australia during the 2019 Ashes series where the Aussies retained the coveted trophy on foreign soil for the first time in 18 years.
Paine has been recovering from neck surgery he underwent in September, but the 36-year-old remained adamant he would recover in time for December’s Gabba Test.
CA chairman Richard Freudenstein confirmed that Paine would still be illigible for selection of the upcoming Ashes series.
“Tim felt it was in the best interests of his family and Australian cricket to take this decision to step down as captain,” Freudenstein said in a statement.
“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.
“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.”
Although CA has not yet confirmed Paine’s replacement, vice-captain Pat Cummins looks set to become the Australia’s 47th Test captain, the first fast bowler to serve that role in 65 years.
Originally published as Australian Test captain Tim Paine quits following sexting bombshell
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