Tim Paine steps down as Australian Test Captain after sexting scandal emerges

In recent developments the matter was to become public somehow, hence, Paine decided to step down so that it does not reflect bad on the team.

In a dramatic change of events, the wicketkeeper -batter Tim Paine has decided to step down from his role of Captain ahead of the Ashes series. After a humiliating sandpaper scandal, the man who steadied the rocking boat of Australian cricket has taken this decision due to some off-field actions reflecting badly on him.

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According to a report of News Corp, Paine was forced to take this decision after his historical sexting scandal was threatened to be made public. It is revealed that in 2017, Paine had sent some explicit texts to a female co-worker at Cricket Tasmania. Cricket Australia had run an internal investigation and found Paine not guilty of any breach of code of conduct. Therefore, he was allowed to hold his position. In recent developments the matter was to become public somehow, hence, Paine decided to step down so that it does not reflect bad on the team.

Paine held a conference in which he announced his decision to step down from the position. He said, “today, I’m announcing my decision to stand down as the Captain of Australian men’s test team. It is an incredibly difficult decision but the right one for me, my family, and cricket.” He also admitted that he was involved in an off-field scandal almost 4 years ago and participated in the investigation organized by Cricket Australia.

The cricketing board of Australia too released a statement in which they acknowledged Tim Paine’s decisions and showed their gratitude towards all he has done in recent time for Australian cricket. Paine will continue to be available for the selection of the test team for the upcoming Ashes series.