Australia team after T20 World Cup, their test squad was getting ready for the biggest clash “Ashes”. Ashes are one of the most anticipated test series that everyone loves to watch and every cricket lover is eager to spend every minute.

Already there were some issues we’re going on regarding team selection. But today things were out of hand when Australian skipper Tim Paine pulled something off-field that didn’t look good at all.

Today, the Australian test captain stepped down from the captaincy immediately after his text scandal went viral four years ago.

An investigation team did their part and cleared Paine over sexually explicit text messages sent to a female former colleague.

It was a teary moment for him to step down as a captain three weeks before the Ashes first test match at Brisbane.

Australian captain Tim Paine resigned

Australian captain on Friday, after being cleared in the text scandal resigned from his captaincy. He broke out in tears while reading the statement in the press conference in Hobart.

Paine said, “today, I’m announcing my decision to stand down as the captain of the Australian men’s test team. It’s an incredibly difficult decision, but the right one for me, my family, and cricket,” Paine said as he read out a statement.

“As background on my decision, nearly four years ago, I was involved in a text exchange with a then-colleague. At the time, the exchange was the subject of a thorough CA Integrity Unit investigation, throughout which I fully participated in and openly participated in.”

“That investigation and a Cricket Tasmania HR investigation at the same time found that there had been no breach of the Cricket Australia Code of Conduct. 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. We thought this incident was behind us and that I could focus entirely on the team. As I have done for the last three or four years.”

‘I apologize’ – Tim Paine

“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, or the wider community.

I’m deeply sorry for the hurt and pain that I have caused to my wife, my family, and the other party. I’m sorry for any damage that this does to the reputation of our sport.”

He further added, “I believe that it is the right decision for me to stand down as captain, effective immediately,” he said. I do not want this to become an unwelcome disruption to the team ahead of what is a huge Ashes series.”

“It’s been the greatest privilege of my sporting life to lead the Australian men’s test team. I’m grateful for the support of my teammates and proud of what we’ve been able to achieve together.

“To them, I ask for their understanding and forgiveness. To Australian cricket fans, I’m deeply sorry that my past behavior has impacted our game on the eve of the Ashes. For the disappointment I have caused to fans and the entire cricket community, I apologize.

“I’ve been blessed with a wonderful, loving, and supportive family. And it breaks my heart to know how much I’ve let them down. They have always stood by me, been my most loyal fans, and I’m indebted to them for their support.

“I will remain a committed member of the Australian cricket team and look forward with anticipation to what is a huge Ashes tour.”

‘I was charged with theft’ – Woman

According to the reports, “the woman was a Cricket Tasmania employee who resigned in 2017 and later complained to the state governing body and Cricket Australia.”

“We thought this incident was behind us and that I could focus entirely on the team, as I have done for the last three or four years,” said Paine, who declined to take any questions.

“However, I recently became aware that this private text exchange was going to become public.”

It’s not the first time such scandals took place, back in 2019 Pakistani batsman Imam-ul-Haq was also accused of harassment and things were leaked as well.

For now, the Australia cricket board hasn’t decided who will lead the Ashes although the board got potential candidates to fill up the position.

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