Australian Cricket Association Supports Tim Paine After He Resigns As Test Captain Over 'Sexting Row'

Tim Paine on Friday decided to step down from Australia's Test captaincy, expressing regret for sending 'inappropriate messages' to a female co-worker.

New Delhi: The Australian Cricket Association (ACA) on Friday extended support for Tim Paine, saying it was sad that the wicketkeeper batsman felt the need to resign as Australia's Test captain. Paine on Friday decided to step down from Australia's Test captaincy, expressing regret for sending 'inappropriate messages' to a female co-worker. Cricket Australia exonerated him of any breach of its code of conduct.

The case is from 2017 and at that time, after the investigation by Cricket Australia and Cricket Tasmania, Paine had received a clean chit.

“While respecting the decision made by Tim Paine, the ACA is saddened that he felt the need to resign from the captaincy of the Australian Test team,” the ACA said in a statement. “While regrettable, this was a historical mistake that was a private matter between consenting individuals. Tim fully cooperated in an integrity investigation by Cricket Australia in 2018 in which he was exonerated.”

“Tim humbly recognised the respect that comes with the Australian captaincy and his resignation reflects the esteem in which he held the role that he served so well in a trying period for Australian cricket,” ACA statement read.

“Tim’s captaincy has been regarded throughout the cricket world as playing a crucial role in restoring pride back in the Australian team, both in their performance and the spirit in which they play the game. While Tim has clearly made a mistake, he will continue to have the full and unequivocal support of the ACA,” it added.

Tim Paine on Friday apologised to his fans, wife and family for being his 'loyal support'. Paine announced this in a press conference from Hobart. The governing body accepted his resignation and the text messages with the female co-worker were made public.