Tim Paine takes indefinite break from all cricket as ‘sexting’ scandal takes toll

Tim Paine has announced that he will take an indefinite break from all forms of cricket as the sexting scandal fallout continues to hurt Australian cricket just before the Ashes.

Tim Paine has taken a break from all forms of cricket in the aftermath of the sexting scandal. (Image credit: Twitter)
By Siddharth vishwanathan | Nov 26, 2021 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

The fallout from the sexting scandal continues for Tim Paine. After he stepped down as the skipper of the Australian team just before the Ashes, Paine has now announced that he will be taking an indefinite break from all forms of cricket. The announcement means that Paine will not be available for the Ashes series. Earlier, he had announced that after stepping down as skipper, he will be available to play for the side in the Ashes.

In a statement released by Cricket Tasmania, Paine had discussed with the state board prior to the announcement. He was initially supposed to play a one-day game for Tasmania in the Marsh Cup but he withdrew. Prior to the withdrawal, Paine had played in the Tasmania second XI match against South Australia. Cricket Tasmania has assured all support for Paine in the near future. Cricket Australia has also pledged support, with CEO Nick Hockley stating that the board understood the factors behind Paine’s decision. Hockley also stated that Cricket Australia would meet in the coming days to finalize who will take Paine’s place. It is believed that either Alex Carey or Josh Inglis will debut in the first Ashes Test in Brisbane.

Tim Paine’s career now at the crossroads

Before the sexting scandal, Tim Paine had stated that he would retire from Test cricket if Australia could successfully defend the Ashes at home. But, at the age of 36, Paine now finds himself at the crossroads of his career. With this latest announcement, Paine might not don the baggy green for a long time.

Paine’s manager, James Henderson, stated that he was extremely concerned about the well-being of Paine and his family in the aftermath of the scandal. Taking to his Twitter account, Henderson stated, “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.”

Mixed legacy for Paine as a captain

Paine’s arrival in the Australian cricket scene came when the country was at its lowest ebb. After a gap of six years, Paine stepped up as the captain of the team in the aftermath of the ball-tampering scandal in Newlands against South Africa. As captain, Paine achieved success against Pakistan and New Zealand at home. But, he lost two series on the trot against India at home. There was redemption in store for Paine as he became the first Australian captain since Steve Waugh in 2001 to retain the Ashes in England.

The fact that he is still valued as a good player was endorsed by Nathan Lyon. The off-spinner, who is one shy of 400 wickets, endorsed Paine in a media conference organized by Cricket Australia.

“I know I want him. This is very selfish from a bowler’s point of view. I want the best gloveman behind the stumps and in my eyes, that’s Tim Paine,” Lyon stated.





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