Picture Credit: Twitter
Former Australia Test captain Tim Paine is set to miss the upcoming Ashes series against England after announcing that he is taking an immediate break from all forms of cricket. Paine’s decision to take a mental health break comes just one week after he stepped down as captain of the Test team following a sexting scandal. Paine was expected to play for Tasmania in the One-Day Cup match before joining the Test squad in Brisbane.
However, the wicketkeeper withdrew from the match and informed Cricket Tasmania regarding his decision. Notably, Tim Paine had stepped down as Australia’s Test skipper last week following revelations of a ‘sexting’ incident. Paine was accused of inappropriate conduct by a former Cricket Tasmania employee.
"Following discussions over the last 24 hours, Tim Paine has advised Cricket Tasmania that he will be taking a leave of absence from all forms of cricket for the foreseeable future. Cricket Tasmania will continue to support Tim and his family both professionally and personally over the summer," Cricket Tasmania said in a statement on Friday.
Extremely concerned his well-being: Paine's manager
Paine was named in Australia's squad for the Ashes and he still had the backing of his international team-mates. But Paine took the decision to step away from the game for an indefinite period. Paine's manager, James Henderson, said that he was concerned about the well-being of the cricketer and his wife.
"Confirming that @tdpaine36 is stepping away from cricket for an indefinite mental health break," Henderson posted on Twitter. "We are extremely concerned for his and Bonnie's well-being and will be making no further comment at this time."
With the Ashes scheduled to begin on 8 December, Australia will need a new wicket-keeper in Paine's place. Alex Carey and Josh Inglis are reportedly the front-runners to replace the former Australia skipper for the 5-match series.