Tim Paine stands down as Australian Test captain after sexting scandal revealed

Tim Paine has quit as Australian Test captain after a sexting scandal became public.

Paine sent a female coworker lewd messages and a picture of his genitals on the night before and morning of the first Ashes Test at the Gabba in 2017.

He says they were the subject of a Cricket Australia integrity unit investigation which he “fully participated in”, and a Cricket Tasmania HR investigation found there was no breach of the Cricket Australia code of conduct.

Paine will quit as captain, effective immediately, but plans to remain in the team.

“We thought this incident was behind us and that I could focus entirely on the team … however I recently became aware that this private text exchange was going to become public,” he said.

“I’m deeply sorry for the hurt and pain I’ve caused to my wife, my family and to the other party.”

Press PLAY below to hear Tim Paine announcing his resignation

Respected 3AW sports commentator Tim Lane said it was extremely embarrassing for Paine, Cricket Australia and the sport.

He said Pat Cummins looked the obvious replacement as captain.

“He spoke only recently about the fact he feels he can take it on, if and when that moment comes, and I imagine that moment is very much at hand,” Lane told Tom Elliott.

Press PLAY below to hear Tim Lane’s thoughts on the matter

Photo by Daniel Pockett – CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images