Tim Paine steps down as Australian captain following off-field scandal

There is a big update coming in ahead of the 2021 Ashes series. Australia’s Test skipper Tim Paine has announced that he will step down as the captain of the side before the Ashes series.

The same was confirmed by the official Twitter handle of Cricket Australia. “JUST IN: Tim Paine stands down as captain of the Australian Men’s Test team. More to come,” tweeted Cricket Australia. You can see the tweet from Cricket Australia below.

JUST IN: Tim Paine stands down as captain of the Australian Men's Test team…

More to come… #Ashes

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 19, 2021

Tim Paine also announced his decision in a statement. He revealed that the decision has been a tough one, but it is the right one for him, his family as well as cricket at large.

“Today I am announcing my decision to step down as the captain of the Australian cricket team. It is an incredibly difficult decision but the right one for me, my family and cricket,” said Tim Paine in the press conference.

I was involved in a text exchange with a woman colleague: Tim Paine

Tim Paine also revealed that he was involved in a text exchange with a woman colleague of his and the incident was subject to investigation. Adding that he regrets this incident, Paine said that he is grateful to his family for their support.

Paine also added that since his private message was going to become public, he wants to step down as the captain of the Australian side, and concluded by revealing that his actions do not meet the standards needed to lead the Australian side.

“As a background, I was involved in a texting exchange with a woman colleague. At the time the exchange was subject to investigation. I deeply regret this incident. I spoke to my wife and family and I am enormously grateful for their forgiveness and support.

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,” concluded Paine.

The Ashes series is scheduled to commence on 8th December 2021.

You can see the video below

#BREAKING: Tim Paine has announced he will step down as Captain of the Australian Test team.

He read a statement but did not take any questions from the media.@WINNews_Tas pic.twitter.com/57fBcDKvZp

— Brent Costelloe (@brentcostelloe) November 19, 2021