LATEST: Pat Cummins appointed new Australian captain as Tim Paine takes ‘leave of absence’

Pat Cummins is the new Australian Test cricket captain.

He was unveiled in the role on Friday.

Steve Smith will be his deputy.

It comes after Tim Paine stood down after explicit text messages and a photograph of his genitals were reported in the media.

He has since taken a leave of absence from the game.

The statement confirms Charlie Wakim will take his place in today’s Marsh One-Day Cup match against Western Australia.

Paine’s decision puts him in further doubt to appear for the Ashes series early next month.

Breaking: Tim Paine out of action for 'foreseeable future'. Big news. pic.twitter.com/kndEMrC83S

— Tom Decent (@tomdecent) November 25, 2021

(Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)