In a shocking turn of events, Australian Test captain Tim Paine has stepped down from the post after being investigated by Cricket Australia over sending a co-worker an explicit image of himself along with a string of lewd messages.
The development comes weeks ahead of the Ashes series against old foes England.
Reports claimed a Cricket Tasmania female employee was offended by "Mr Paine's sexually explicit, unwelcome and unsolicited photograph of his genitals in addition to the graphic sexual comments". The incident occurred in 2017.
Paine will, however, continue to be a part of the Australian team.
"It's an incredibly difficult decision but the right one for me, my family and cricket," Paine said in a tearful press conference in Hobart.
"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," he added.
Paine, 36, said that his actions do not meet the standard of an Australian cricket captain or of the wider community, and was “deeply sorry” to his wife, family and the other party.
The board of Cricket Australia has accepted Paine's resignation and will now look for a new Test 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,” said CA chair Richard Freudenstein.
“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.”
- With inputs from PTI
