Australian Test captain Tim Paine has stepped down from his post with immediate effect after his involvement in a sexting scandal.
As per the reports, Tim Paine sent out inappropriate messages to a female co-worker in 2017. The Aussie has been married to Bonnie Maggs since 2016.
What is sexting?
Sexting involves exchanging sexually explicit messages or media (including photographs, videos and audio) over the mobile phone. The word is derived from ‘texting’ a term that describes sending text messages over the phone.
The 36-year old Tasmanian announced his decision to relinquish his position at a press conference in Hobart on Friday afternoon.
"It's an incredibly difficult decision, but the right one for me, my family, and cricket," Paine said in a cricket.com.au statement.
"As a 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.”
The development came just weeks before the start of the Ashes series on their home turf. Paine, however, stated that he would continue to be a part of the team.
"I have loved my role as captain of the Australian cricket team. 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.” said Paine, Australia’s 46th Test captain.
"I will remain a committed member of the Australian cricket team and look forward with anticipation to what is a huge Ashes tour."
Paine took over the responsibility of captaining the Test side when the cricketing nation was engulfed in an embarrassing Sandpaper Gate scandal in Capetown in 2018 that had Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft as the chief culprits.
The board has accepted Paine’s resignation and has begun the process of appointing the next Test captain.
In case Paine is not cleared to participate in the series, Alex Carey would be at the forefront to don the gloves.
What did Tim Paine say in the sexting scandal?
Warning: Explicit content
The following sexting exchange from Tim Paine was reported by the Herald Sun and the Daily Mail.
“Naughty thoughts like what? I’m about to give something firm a pull…”
“Will you want to taste my ***?? F*** me, I’m seriously hard.”
“Can’t rest (my hands — responding to a wicket-keeping reference) when I’m this hard!! Need to ease the tension … Finish me off with those lips then ;)”
“Finish me off right now!!!” (Along with a picture of his private parts)
Featured photo : Patrick Hamiilton / AFP
