Former Australian Test Skipper Tim Paine takes an indefinite break from cricket after a sexting scandal led him to resign as Test captain.
Tim Paine Takes Indefinite Break
The Tasmanian keeper quit as Test captain a week ago over the public revelation of an exchange of allegedly sexually graphic text messages with a female colleague in 2017.
Paine was supposed to play for Tasmania in the One-Day Cup match before joining the Test squad in Brisbane but withdrew from the match.
“Following discussions over the last 24 hours, Tim Paine has advised Cricket Tasmania that he will be taking a leave of absence from all forms of cricket for the foreseeable future. Cricket Tasmania will continue to support Tim and his family both professionally and personally over the summer,” Cricket Tasmania said in a statement on Friday (November 26).
Cricket Australia pledged support for Paine while mentioning that the selection panel will finalise the squad for the first Ashes Test in the coming days. With Paine taking a break from cricket, one of Alex Carey and Josh Inglis could debut at The Gabba on December 8.
“We recognise that this is an incredibly difficult time for Tim and his family and are committed to supporting them. We respect and understand Tim’s decision to have a break at this time to focus on his and his family’s well-being,” Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer, said.
“The National Selection Panel will meet in the coming days to discuss the final squad ahead of the first Ashes Test on December 8.”
Meanwhile, Paine’s manager James Henderson said he was “extremely concerned” for Paine and his wife Bonnie.
“Confirming that (Paine) is stepping away from cricket for an indefinite mental health break. We are extremely concerned for his and Bonnie’s well-being and will be making no further comment at this time,” Henderson tweeted.
