Lagater24 Desk
Melbourne, Nov 19: Australia Test Skipper Tim Paine has stepped down as the captain of the side ahead of the much awaited Ashes opener.
Cricket Australia on Friday informed about Paine’s decision to leave captaincy immediately.
“Tim Paine has advised the Board of Cricket Australia of his decision to stand down as captain of the Australian men’s Test team, effective immediately,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.
Notably, Paine has been investigated by governing body Cricket Australia for sending a female co-worker a string of lewd text messages and an inappropriate photo back in 2017.
“Nearly four years ago, I was involved in a text exchange with a then-colleague. Although exonerated, I deeply regretted in Incident at the time and I do so today. I spoke to my wife and family at a time and was enormously grateful for their forgiveness and support, Pain said during a press conference.
“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 caption”, said CA Chair Richard Freudenstein.
This decision came just before the Ashes opener. England and Australia will lock horns in the five match Ashes, beginning December 8 at the Gabba, Brisbane.
