Tim Paine After Sexting Scandal: 'It Breaks My Heart To Know How Much I’ve Let Them Down'

The wicketkeeper-batter Paine married Bonnie Maggs in 2016. The couple have two children together - Milla and Charlie. Paine has played 35 Tests for Australia, scoring 1534 runs and assisting 157 dismissals in the longest format. In the 2019 Ashes series against England, Paine led Australia team which retained the trophy overseas for the first time in 18 years.

Speaking to media, Time Paine confirmed that he had stepped down as Australia Test captain with immediate effect.

“It’s an incredibly difficult decision, but the right one for me, my family, and cricket,” Paine was quoted as saying to news.com.au.

“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. That investigation and a Cricket Tasmania HR investigation at the same time found that there had been no breach of the Cricket Australia Code of Conduct.

“Although exonerated, I deeply regretted this incident at the time, and still do today. I spoke to my wife and family at the time and am enormously grateful for their forgiveness and support. We thought this incident was behind us and that I could focus entirely on the team, as I have done for the last three or four years. However, I recently became aware that this private text exchange was going to become public.

“On reflection, my actions in 2017 do not meet the standard of an Australian cricket captain, or the wider community. I’m deeply sorry for the hurt and pain that I have caused to my wife, my family, and to the other party. I’m sorry for any damage that this does to the reputation of our sport. And I believe that it is the right decision for me to stand down as captain, effective immediately. I do not want this to become an unwelcome disruption to the team ahead of what is a huge Ashes series.

“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. To them, I ask for their understanding and forgiveness. To Australian cricket fans — I’m deeply sorry that my past behaviour has impacted our game on the eve of the Ashes. For the disappointment I have caused to fans and the entire cricket community, I apologise.

“I’ve been blessed with a wonderful, loving and supportive family, and it breaks my heart to know how much I’ve let them down. They have always stood by me, been my most loyal fans, and I’m indebted to them for their support. I will remain a committed member of the Australian cricket team, and look forward with anticipation to what is a huge Ashes tour," Paine added.