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Tim Paine

Shane Warne
Shane Warne
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Shane Warne Injured Himself In A Motorbike Accident

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Shane Warne, the former Australian spinner, has injured himself in a motorbike accident. Shane Warne was riding his bike with son Jackson when he fell off and slid for more than 15 meters, it was reported.

Shane Warne - Getty Images
Shane Warne – Getty Images

Shane Warne Avoided Serious Injury In A Freak Motorbike Accident

Shane Warne has avoided serious injury but woke up the next morning in pain. The 52-year-old also went to the hospital, fearing he might have broken his foot or damaged his hip. However, the former Australia spinner is still expected to do the broadcasting duties for the upcoming Ashes, beginning December 8 at the Gabba.

“I’m a bit battered and bruised and very sore,” said Warne after the accident.

Pat Cummins takes over the vacant Test captaincy with the Ashes series looming. Credit: AAP
Pat Cummins takes over the vacant Test captaincy with the Ashes series looming. Credit: AAP

Earlier, Shane Warne caught media attention as he publicly criticized the Australian Cricket team for making Steve Smith the vice-captain. However, with a few days to go for the Ashes 2021-22, Cricket Australia (CA) finally appointed Pat Cummins as the skipper of the Australian Test cricket team and Steve Smith as his deputy last week.

Shane Warne Slammed CA For Giving Steve Smith A Second Chance After Sandpaper Gate Scandal In 2018

Steve Smith and Pat Cummins were the top contenders for the captaincy after Tim Paine stepped down from his leadership duties due to his alleged involvement in a sexting scandal.  Following the announcement of the new captaincy, the former Australian spinner in his column slammed Cricket Australia for appointing Steve Smith as vice-captain of Australia’s Test cricket team.

Tim Paine, Pat Cummins, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. Image: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Tim Paine, Pat Cummins, Steve Smith, and Marnus Labuschagne. Image: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Although the former spinner Shane Warne called Steve Smith one of the best batters around the world, he slammed Cricket Australia for giving the 32-year-old cricketer a second chance after the sandpaper gate scandal. Shane Warne went on to say that Marnus Labuschagne should have been the vice-captain.

Along with David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, Steve Smith were handed bans by Cricket Australia for their role in the sandpaper gate ball-tampering episode in Cape Town, which rocked Australian cricket in 2018.

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Pat Cummins appears favourite to take over the vacant Test captaincy with the Ashes series looming. Credit: AAP
Pat Cummins appears favourite to take over the vacant Test captaincy with the Ashes series looming. Credit: AAP
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Pat Cummins: Tim Paine Still Well Respected Despite Scandal

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Pat Cummins, the newly appointed Test skipper believes Tim Paine’s decision to relinquish the captaincy is a credit to his leadership skills. Tim Paine stepped down as captain last week in the wake of a highly publicized sexting scandal in 2017-2018, that emerged and announced on Friday that he would take no part in the Ashes 2021/22.

Pat Cummins, who had served as Australia’s vice-captain since 2019, said he had spoken to Tim Paine on the morning he has been crowned his successor.

Australia Captain Tim Paine has stepped down from the role (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Archive)
Australia captain Tim Paine has stepped down from the role (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Archive)

Pat Cummins Spoke To Tim Paine And The Former Skipper Said He Didn’t Want The Scandal To Cause Distraction

Tim Paine, the former Australia Test skipper has taken a “leave of absence from all forms of cricket” following his resignation as captain for the side ahead of the Ashes 2021/22. Tim Paine had announced his resignation last week following a ‘sexting scandal’ with a former Cricket Tasmania colleague in 2017.

Cricket Tasmania on Friday released a statement on Tim Paine’s absence from the Marsh One-Day Cup match against Western Australia, stating his indefinite break from cricket.

“When I spoke to (Paine) this morning, he wanted to make it really clear that part of his decision of taking a break was that he didn’t want (the sexting scandal) to be a distraction,” Cummins told reporters on Friday.

“That’s probably another tick for his leadership and how highly he thinks of the team.”

Pat Cummins said his time as Tim Paine’s deputy had left him in good stead to take the reins.

“He’s been incredible for me, especially since being vice-captain” Cummins said.

Tim Paine is likely to be replaced behind the stumps by either Josh Inglis or Alex Carey. Picture Eddie Safarik
Tim Paine is likely to be replaced behind the stumps by either Josh Inglis or Alex Carey. Picture Eddie Safarik

“I feel like I’m really well-equipped. I’ve had a good few years of training. I think (the transition) will be pretty seamless. There’s absolutely no issue among the boys.”

Pat Cummins and Steve Smith, who returns to a leadership role as vice-captain, said Tim Paine had lost none of the admiration of his peers.

“We really feel for Tim and his family. He’s just a really loved, well-respected leader of our team,” Cummins said.

“We love him. We hope that we see him back in the team soon and we just wish him all the best. He’s obviously going through a tough time.”

England and Australia will lock horns in the five-match Ashes, beginning December 8 at the Gabba, Brisbane. Tim Paine’s mental health break means he will unavailable at least for the first game of Ashes. Matthew Wade, Josh Inglis, and Alex Carey are the candidates to replace Tim Paine.

Steve Smith Empathized With Tim Paine

Steve Smith, who vacated the captaincy following the notorious ball-tampering saga in Cape Town, said he empathized with Tim Paine. Steve Smith captained Australia in 34 Tests prior to 2018, in which he guided them to 18 victories, 10 defeats, and six draws.

“Having been through some tough times myself, I urge him to take care of himself and be really kind to himself,” he said.

“My thoughts are with him and his family.”

Pat Cummins and Steve Smith will lead the Aussies in the Ashes from next month. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Pat Cummins and Steve Smith will lead the Aussies in the Ashes from next month. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

For Pat Cummins, the fallout from Tim Paine’s sexting scandal proved a timely reminder of the high standards to which leaders in the Test cricket team are held.

“That’s really hit home in the last few days,” he said.

“A lot of the pressure and the responsibility of being perfect is unreasonable. I think it’s too much to ask of anyone. I think you’ve got to have permission to grow.”

Pat Cummins is the first pace bowler to captain the Test side since Ray Lindwall in 1956, and while he said there would be challenges in managing the workload, he planned to learn from and turn to veteran Steve Smith and his teammates for guidance.

“There’s going to be times where I’m out in the middle, it’s a hot day, I’m in the middle of a spell and I need to turn to people for advice, for tactics, for experience,” Cummins said.

“That’s one of the main reasons why I wanted Steve to be vice-captain. I think it potentially could look different from how you’ve seen partnerships work in the past. It’s going to be a really collaborative approach.”

Tim Paine has led his country to 11 wins, four draws, and eight defeats. Under his leadership, Australia had retained the Ashes and won 11 of 23 matches but had lost two successive home Test series to India. He had scored 1534 runs in 35 Tests averaging 32.64 with 9 fifties but is yet to score a ton although he has 150 catches and 7 stumpings besides his name.

Australia named paceman Pat Cummins as their Test cricket captain and Steve Smith as vice-captain Friday after a sexting scandal led Tim Paine to resign last week, just ahead of the Ashes. Pat Cummins becomes the 47th captain of the Australian men’s Test team while Steve Smith returns to a key leadership role, having been forced to stand down as skipper for his part in the “Sandpaper-gate” ball-tampering scandal of 2018.

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Australia Captain Tim Paine has stepped down from the role (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Archive)
Australia Captain Tim Paine has stepped down from the role (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Archive)
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Tim Paine Takes A Leave Of Absence From All Forms Of Cricket After Resigning As Skipper Ahead Of Ashes 2021/22

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Tim Paine, the former Australia Test skipper has taken a “leave of absence from all forms of cricket” following his resignation as captain for the side ahead of the Ashes 2021/22.

Tim Paine had announced his resignation last week following a ‘sexting scandal’ with a former Cricket Tasmania colleague in 2017. Cricket Tasmania on Friday released a statement on Tim Paine’s absence from the Marsh One-Day Cup match against Western Australia.

Tim Paine takes leave of absence from all forms of cricket  |  Photo Credit: AP
Tim Paine takes leave of absence from all forms of cricket  |  Photo Credit: AP

Tim Paine Takes A Leave Of Absence From All Forms Of Cricket For The Foreseeable Future: Cricket Tasmania Statement

Former Australia Test skipper Tim Paine has taken a “leave of absence from all forms of cricket” following his resignation as captain for the side ahead of the Ashes.

“Following discussions over the last 24 hours,  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 said in a statement.

Ashes Urn Photo: cricket.com.au
Ashes Urn Photo: cricket.com.au

“Tim’s decision makes him unavailable for selection for today’s Marsh One-Day Cup match against Western Australia. His place in the squad will be taken by Charlie Wakim. Cricket Tasmania will continue to support Tim and his family both professionally and personally over the summer,” it added.

England and Australia will lock horns in the five-match Ashes, beginning December 8 at the Gabba, Brisbane. Tim Paine’s mental health break means he will unavailable at least for the first game of Ashes. Matthew Wade, Josh Inglis, and Alex Carey are the candidates to replace Tim Paine.

Pat Cummins Named Australia’s New Test Skipper, Steve Smith Deputy

Last week, Cricket Australia (CA) chairman Richard Freudenstein pointed out that he cannot speak about what happened in 2018 but if it would have had happened in 2021, the governing body would not have made the same decision on Tim Paine.

Steve Smith and Pat Cummins
Steve Smith and Pat Cummins

Tim Paine has led his country to 11 wins, four draws, and eight defeats. Under his leadership, Australia had retained the Ashes and won 11 of 23 matches but had lost two successive home Test series to India. He had scored 1534 runs in 35 Tests averaging 32.64 with 9 fifties but is yet to score a ton although he has 150 catches and 7 stumpings besides his name.

Australia named paceman Pat Cummins as their Test cricket captain and Steve Smith as vice-captain Friday after a sexting scandal led Tim Paine to resign last week, just ahead of the Ashes. Pat Cummins becomes the 47th captain of the Australian men’s Test team while Steve Smith returns to a key leadership role, having been forced to stand down as skipper for his part in the “Sandpaper-gate” ball-tampering scandal of 2018.

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Steve Smith and Pat Cummins
Steve Smith and Pat Cummins
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Pat Cummins Appointed Australia’s 47th Test Skipper While Steve Smith Named His Deputy

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Pat Cummins has been appointed as Australia’s 47th Test captain while Steve Smith has been named his deputy ahead of the home Ashes 2021/22 which starts on December 8 in Brisbane.

Pat Cummins has been named as the 47th captain of the Australia Test team on the day Tim Paine’s manager announced that the former skipper is stepping away from cricket for an “indefinite mental health break”

Pat Cummins takes over the vacant Test captaincy with the Ashes series looming. Credit: AAP
Pat Cummins takes over the vacant Test captaincy with the Ashes series looming. Credit: AAP

Pat Cummins Has Been Appointed As Australia’s 47th Test Skipper

Notably, Pat Cummins will become the first fast bowler to captain the Australian Test team in the last 65 years. Ray Lindwall’s temporary one-Test stint in India in 1956 makes him the only specialist fast bowler to lead Australia in the longest format of the game.

“I am honoured to accept this role ahead of what will be a massive Ashes summer,” Pat Cummins said in a statement.

Pat Cummins' only captaincy experience has come in domestic one-day cricket Getty Images
Pat Cummins’ only captaincy experience has come in domestic one-day cricket Getty Images

“I hope I can provide the same leadership Tim (Paine) has given the group in the past few years. With Steve and I as captains, a number of very senior players in this squad and some great young talent coming through we are a strong and tightly-knit group. This is an unexpected privilege which I am very grateful for and am very much looking forward to.”

Pat Cummins has been a professional cricketer for over a decade and played 252 matches across all three formats, but the extent of his captaincy experience is just four 50-over Marsh Cup games for New South Wales last season.

Tim Paine Taking An Indefinite Mental Health Break

Tim Paine is stepping away from cricket for an “indefinite mental health break”, his manager said on Friday, leaving Australia’s Ashes preparations in disarray a week after the wicketkeeper’s resignation from the captaincy. Tim Paine was due to play for Tasmania in a domestic one-day match in Hobart on Friday in the lead-up to the first Ashes test in Brisbane on Dec. 8, but will be unavailable for the “foreseeable future”, the state’s cricket association said.

“Confirming that @tdpaine36 is stepping away from cricket for an indefinite mental health break,” Paine’s manager James Henderson wrote in a social media post.

“We are extremely concerned for his and (wife) Bonnie’s well-being and will be making no further comment at this time.”

Australia Captain Tim Paine has stepped down from the role (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Archive)
Australia captain Tim Paine has stepped down from the role (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Archive)

Speculation over Tim Paine’s place in the test team has been rife since his resignation over revelations that he was investigated for sending sexually explicit text messages to a female former Cricket Tasmania (CT) staffer four years ago. Steve Smith returned to a leadership role for the first time since the Sandpaper Gate in 2018. Steve Smith captained Australia in 34 Tests prior to 2018, in which he guided them to 18 victories, 10 defeats, and six draws.

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Ricky Ponting (Image Credit: Twitter)
Ricky Ponting (Image Credit: Twitter)
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Ashes 2021-22: I Think Inevitably It Will Be A Distraction: Ricky Ponting On Tim Paine Saga

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Ricky Ponting, former Australia skipper, feels the sexting saga involving wicket-keeper batter Tim Paine will bubble along wherever he goes and will linger over the Ashes 2021/22 series. Ricky Ponting said that Tim Paine’s sexting scandal will be a distraction that won’t “go away” easily.

Tim Paine stepped down from the role after sexually explicit text messages he sent to a former female colleague at Cricket Tasmania in 2017 were leaked to the media.
Australia Captain Tim Paine has stepped down from the role (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Archive)
Australia captain Tim Paine has stepped down from the role (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Archive)

Ricky Ponting: Tim Paine Scandal Will Inevitably Be A Distraction

Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting said Tim Paine’s resignation from the captaincy due to a ‘sexting’ scandal will “inevitably” be a distraction during the five-Test Ashes series against England.

“I think inevitably it will (be a distraction),” Ricky Ponting said.

“Yes, he’s made a huge call for himself, for Australian cricket and for the betterment of the Australian cricket team. But it’s not going to go away. We’re only a few weeks out from the first Test it will bubble along. As much as we would all love to see it go away and there comes a point where it’s never talked about, it’s inevitable that it’s going to be there.”

Ricky Ponting (L) and Tim Paine (R) - File photo
Ricky Ponting (L) and Tim Paine (R) – File photo

The first Ashes Test will be played at the Gabba in Brisbane. Australia hasn’t played a single Test match since losing the Test series to India 1-2 at home in January. Ricky Ponting said the players should not get distracted and should stay focused on the game even if Tim Paine happens to play the first Test. But the former Australian skipper feels that the Tasmania player will definitely be questioned about the incident wherever he goes to play.

“If he plays in Brisbane (for the first Test), the rest of the group and everyone needs to move on and do the best they can to forget about it and knuckle down. Unfortunately for Tim, he’s going to get asked about it everywhere he goes. Whenever you make mistakes and you’ve got to front up in front of the cricket-loving public, you have some doubts in the back of your mind for a period of time.”

It is not clear whether Tim Paine will participate in the Ashes 2021/22 or not, but Ricky Ponting believes that the incident will surely serve as a distraction for the team players.

Tim Paine has led his country to 11 wins, four draws, and eight defeats. Under Tim Paine’s leadership, Australia had retained the Ashes and won 11 of 23 matches but had lost two successive home Test series to India. Tim Paine had scored 1534 runs in 35 Tests averaging 32.64 with 9 fifties. He is yet to score a ton but has 150 catches and 7 stumpings besides his name.

Ricky Ponting Says Alex Carey Is An Obvious Replacement, But He Loves Josh Inglish To Be Groomed To Be A Future Star

Ricky Ponting pointed out a short-term and a long-term scenario when he was asked about Tim Paine’s replacement, picking Alex Carey and Josh Inglis for the two situations, respectively.

“If he (Paine) plays this series and he finishes at the end of the series, they might look at a younger guy. If he’s not picked for Brisbane they might think about someone who’s a bit more experienced, being an Ashes series,” said Ponting.

Alex Carey--Getty Images
Alex Carey–Getty Images

“If Paine doesn’t play in Brisbane, the obvious one is Alex Carey. If Paine does play the Ashes series, they might look at someone like Inglis post this summer. I’m on record saying I love Inglis I think he’s going to be a really good cricketer for Australia for a long time in whatever format they pick him in first, whether it’s T20s, one-dayers, or Test cricket. Speaking to Brad Haddin and even ‘Painey’ they really rate his keeping, they talk really highly of it.”

Ricky Ponting said Alex Carey could replace Tim Paine as wicketkeeper if the 36-year-old is dropped but also backed Josh Inglis, who has yet to make his international debut, to be the long-term successor behind the stumps.

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Tim Paine, Pat Cummins, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. Image: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Tim Paine, Pat Cummins, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne. Image: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
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Marcus Harris Is Confident That Tim Paine Has Got The Support Of His Teammates

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Marcus Harris, an Australia batsman, is confident that Tim Paine has the support of all the players, saying that the former Test skipper and head coach Justin Langer are yet to address the squad.

Marcus Harris also revealed that the playing group found out about Tim Paine’s decision to step down just 30 minutes before he faced in the media on Friday.

Marcus Harris (AP Photo)
Marcus Harris (AP Photo)

Marcus Harris: News About Tim Paine’s Scandal Was A Shock

Marcus Harris, as expected, got the nod for Ashes 2021/22 in the absence of concussion-hit Will Pucovski and is expected to open alongside David Warner, fresh from his exploits in helping Australia win the Twenty20 World Cup.

“There wasn’t much time to digest it, but it was a shock,” Harris told reporters on Wednesday.

“Tim’s obviously been a greater leader around the group, he’s always been really good to me and my family – our hearts went out for Tim, and Bonnie, and the kids and his family. As long as it’s COVID-safe I’ll give him a hug,” he added.

Australia Captain Tim Paine has stepped down from the role (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Archive)
Australia Captain Tim Paine has stepped down from the role (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Archive)

Tim Paine stepped down as Australia’s Test skipper on Friday after it emerged that he had sent an unsolicited explicit image of himself along with a string of lewd messages to a female co-worker in 2017, months before he was made captain, following the Sandpaper Gate scandal where then skipper Steve Smith was axed for a year.

Steve Smith, his deputy David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were banned by Cricket Australia (CA) for different duration, not exceeding one year, over their role in the ball-tampering episode — also termed Sandpaper-gate scandal — in the 2018 Test series in South Africa.

“He’s done a really good job in the last few years, under tough circumstances. You’d probably still argue that he’s still the best gloveman in the country, and he still played some really important innings last summer against India. I know he’s got the support of all the players,” said Harris, who has played all his 10 Tests under Paine’s captaincy.

The Test opener said the players have reached out to the wicketkeeper individually, but Justin Langer and Tim Paine haven’t addressed the squad directly. Marcus Harris, who has played all of his 10 Test matches under the leadership of Tim Paine, said that he has the support of all players and also mentioned that he personally messaged him.

“Probably everyone’s spoken to him personally, I sent him a message the other day and spoke to him a little bit. Obviously Painey’s a very popular member of the group.”

In September, Tim Paine, who had gone under the knife to fix a bulging disc in his neck, is the only stumper in Australia’s 15-player squad for the Ashes, which was announced before he stepped down. The development comes weeks ahead of the five-Test Ashes series against traditional rivals England. The first Test begins in Brisbane on December 8.

Marcus Harris: Australia Have Got Leaders In The Group

Marcus Harris is confident there are several players in the squad who can step up and lead the side.

“People were a bit shocked, but we’ve got leaders around our group – so it’s not ideal, but someone’s going to have to step up and lead from the front and there’s plenty of people who can do that job.”

Steve Smith (Image Credit: Twitter)
Steve Smith (Image Credit: Twitter)

Tim Paine is expected to play an intra-squad match, starting December 1, but they’re still isn’t clear if he will be included in the playing XI after the recent developments.

Cricket Australia is yet to name a successor for Tim Paine, but senior pace bowler Pat Cummins and swashbuckling batter Steve Smith remain the front-runners for the post. Marcus Harris said Australia has many potential leaders in the team to take over the captaincy from Tim Paine. Marnus Labuschagne revealed his captaincy ambitions just this week but is yet to lead his state and has played only 18 Tests.

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Nathan Lyon Photograph: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
Nathan Lyon Photograph: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
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Tim Paine Is The Best Keeper In The World And Should Retain His Spot In Best 11: Nathan Lyon

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Nathan Lyon, Australian spinner, has called for keeper Tim Paine to retain his spot in Australia’s side after the Tasmanian resigned as captain over inappropriate behaviour.

The 36-year-old announced he was stepping down from the captaincy role on Friday, less than three weeks before the beginning of the Ashes 2021/22, following revelations about a sexting scandal.

Nathan Lyon
Nathan Lyon Pic Credit- Twitter

Nathan Lyon: Tim Paine Is The Best Keeper In The World And Should Be Picked In Best Available XI

Nathan Lyon, who has formed a strong partnership with the gloveman who was appointed to lead his country following the ball-tampering scandal, also known as Sandpaper Gate in 2018, told reporters on Thursday that Tim Paine should still be selected behind the stumps.

“The selectors said they were going to pick the best available XI. In my eyes, Tim Paine is the best keeper in the world,” Nathan Lyon said.

“This is very selfish: From a bowler’s point of view I want the best gloveman behind the stumps. Every bowler’s relationship with the keeper is exceptional,” Nathan Lyon said.

Australia Captain Tim Paine has stepped down from the role (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Archive)
Australia captain Tim Paine has stepped down from the role (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Archive)

The New South Wales spinner said Tim Paine was a “very lovable guy and very well respected”, indicating the former captain has the team’s backing to take on England when the series begins in Brisbane.

Lyon said: “I’m pretty sure I’m speaking on behalf of every bowler that we want the best keeper. He’s got my full support and I 100 percent guarantee he’s got the full support of the Australian change room,” the 34-year-old Nathan Lyon added.

Tim Paine’s captaincy and his wicket-keeping standards have come under severe criticism ever since India thrashed hosts Australia 2-1 in the 4 match Test series Down Under. Tim Paine has led his country to 11 wins, four draws, and eight defeats. Under Tim Paine’s leadership, Australia had retained the Ashes and won 11 of 23 matches but had lost two successive home Test series to India.

Tim Paine had scored 1534 runs in 35 Tests averaging 32.64 with 9 fifties. He is yet to score a ton but has 150 catches and 7 stumpings besides his name.

England’s 3 Day Warm-Up Game Against England Lions Saw Only 29 Overs Bowled

Meanwhile, the play was abandoned on the final third day of England’s warm-up against England Lions due to rain at Wellington Point, with Haseeb Hameed (53) and Rory Burns (39) both unbeaten at the crease. The play was abandoned with only 29 overs bowled in 3 days of the England vs England Lions three-day game at Peter Burge Oval in the coastal suburb of Wellington Point on Wednesday.

Only 29 overs were possible in 3 days as the match was drawn, with openers Rory Burns (39 not out) and Haseeb Hameed (53 not out) untroubled in taking England to 0 for 98.
Rory Burns Getty Images
Rory Burns Getty Images

England will take on Australia in the first Ashes 2021/22 Test at the Gabba from December 8, and the fifth and final Test is scheduled for Perth’s Optus Stadium on January 14.

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Pat Cummins appears favourite to take over the vacant Test captaincy with the Ashes series looming. Credit: AAP
Pat Cummins appears favourite to take over the vacant Test captaincy with the Ashes series looming. Credit: AAP
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Pat Cummins And Steve Smith Interviewed By CA Panel For Test Leadership Roles

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A Cricket Australia panel has interviewed Pat Cummins and Steve Smith for the positions of captain and vice-captain of the Australian Test team.

This brings Cricket Australia a step closer to unveiling star fast bowler Pat Cummins as Australia’s 47th Test captain and returning Steve Smith to a leadership position for the first time since the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal.

Steve Smith and Pat Cummins
Steve Smith and Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins and Steve Smith Interviewed For Captaincy Roles By Cricket Australia After Tim Paine Stepped Down As Skipper

The interviews follow the dramatic resignation of Tim Paine from the captaincy when his exchange of lewd text messages with a former Cricket Tasmania staffer was revealed last Friday. The pair appeared by video link before a committee comprising selectors George Bailey and Tony Dodemaide, chief executive Nick Hockley, chair Richard Freudenstein and board member Mel Jones.

Australia Test skipper Tim Paine (Photo | AP)
Australia Test skipper Tim Paine (Photo | AP)

Pat Cummins and Steve Smith are at a quarantined training camp on the Gold Coast ahead of the first Ashes Test in Brisbane. Pat Cummins and Steve Smith have been widely seen as a standout leadership duo, given that as a former captain himself, Steve Smith will be capable of stepping in whenever Pat Cummins is forced to rest because of the rigours and injury risks of fast bowling.

Steve Smith May Be Made Vice-Captain As He Would Return To A Leadership Role For The First Time Since Sandpaper Gate Scandal In 2018

If Steve Smith is indeed made the vice-captain, then he would return to a leadership role for the first time since the Sandpaper Gate in 2018. Steve Smith captained Australia in 34 Tests prior to 2018, in which he guided them to 18 victories, 10 defeats, and six draws.

Pat Cummins and Steve Smith appeared before a committee comprising selectors George Bailey and Tony Dodemaide, chief executive Nick Hockley, chair Richard Freudenstein and board member Mel Jones. Australia head coach Justin Langer is not a part of the Cricket Australia (CA) panel to pick the next Test skipper.

Steve Smith (Image Credit: Twitter)
Steve Smith (Image Credit: Twitter)

Fast bowler Pat Cummins is favourite to replace Tim Paine as Test captain ahead of the Ashes series, which starts in Brisbane on December 8. The front runner for the top job in Australian cricket is vice-captain and pacer Pat Cummins, while former captain Steve Smith has previously expressed his desire to lead the side again.

Following Tim Paine’s resignation from the Test captaincy,  doubts have been cast over his role in the side, with many calling for him to be dropped. Matthew Wade, Josh Inglis, and Alex Carey are the candidates to replace Tim Paine if he isn’t allowed to play.

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Australia Test skipper Tim Paine (Photo | AP)
Australia Test skipper Tim Paine (Photo | AP)
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The Treatment Afforded To Tim Paine By Cricket Australia Has Been Appalling: Cricket Tasmania Chairman Andrew Gaggin

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Cricket Tasmania chairman Andrew Gaggin has condemned Cricket Australia’s “appalling” treatment of Tim Paine, saying he should never have been put in a position where he felt he had to resign as Australia’s Test captain.

Last Friday, Tim Paine stood down from the role after sexually explicit text messages he sent to a female former colleague at Cricket Tasmania in 2017 were leaked to the media.

Cricket Tasmania Chairman Andrew Gaggin has slammed Cricket Australia for their treatment of former captain Tim Paine. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES
Cricket Tasmania Chairman Andrew Gaggin has slammed Cricket Australia for their treatment of former captain Tim Paine. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Cricket Tasmania Chairman Andrew Gaggin: Treatment Afforded To Australian Test Captain Tim Paine By Cricket Australia Is Appalling

The 36-year-old wicketkeeper, who has represented Tasmania since the 2005/06 season, had been exonerated by a Cricket Australia integrity review into the matter soon after becoming Test captain in 2018.

“In conversations, I have had in recent days it is clear that the anger amongst the Tasmania cricket community and the general public is palpable,” Gaggin said in a statement on Tuesday.

“Tim Paine has been a beacon for Australian cricket over the past four years and instrumental in salvaging the reputation of the national team after the calamity of Cape Town.

Cricket Tasmania condemns ‘appalling’ treatment of Tim Paine (Reuters Photo)
Cricket Tasmania condemns ‘appalling’ treatment of Tim Paine (Reuters Photo)

“The treatment afforded to the Australian Test captain by Cricket Australia has been appalling, and the worst since Bill Lawry over 50 years ago.”

Bill Lawry was notoriously sacked as Australia captain and dropped from the team ahead of the final Test of the 1970/71 Ashes series, only discovering his fate when informed by reporters. After Tim Paine’s resignation, Cricket Tasmania said that the former female employee had complained to them about the messages only after she had been charged with stealing from the organization.

Despite relinquishing the captaincy, Tim Paine still wants to be considered for selection as wicketkeeper for the opening Ashes Test in Brisbane on December 8. The decision will be made by a three-man selection panel comprising George Bailey, coach Justin Langer, and the recently appointed Tony Dodemaide.

Pat Cummins Frontrunner To Replace Tim Paine As Test Skipper

On Saturday, Cricket Australia chair Richard Freudenstein said that the current leadership team would have sacked Tim Paine had they been in charge in 2018.

“At a time when CA should have supported Tim, he was evidently regarded as dispensable,” Gaggin continued.

Pat Cummins appears favourite to take over the vacant Test captaincy with the Ashes series looming. Credit: AAP
Pat Cummins appears favourite to take over the vacant Test captaincy with the Ashes series looming. Credit: AAP

“The Cricket Tasmania board reaffirmed its view that Paine should not have been put in a position where he felt the need to resign over an incident that was determined by an independent inquiry at the time to not be a breach of the code of conduct and was a consensual and private exchange that occurred between two mature adults and was not repeated.”

Fast bowler Pat Cummins is favourite to replace Tim Paine as Test captain ahead of the Ashes series, which starts in Brisbane on December 8. The front runner for the top job in Australian cricket is vice-captain and bowler Pat Cummins, while former captain Steve Smith has previously expressed his desire to lead the side again.

In 2018 Cricket Australia investigated the sexting incident but cleared Tim Paine of any wrongdoing after they deemed, he had not breached the code of conduct.

Following Tim Paine’s resignation from the Test captaincy,  doubts have been cast over his role in the side, with many calling for him to be dropped. Matthew Wade, Josh Inglis, and Alex Carey are the candidates to replace Tim Paine if he isn’t allowed to play.

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Australia Captain Tim Paine has stepped down from the role (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Archive)
Australia Captain Tim Paine has stepped down from the role (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Archive)
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George Bailey To Step Aside From Voting On Whether Tim Paine Will Remain In Ashes 2021/22 Team Or Not

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George Bailey, the Australian chief selector, said Tuesday he will step aside from voting on whether tainted skipper Tim Paine should remain in the Australian Test cricket side if there is a split decision, given their healthy personal and business relationship.

Tim Paine abruptly quit as skipper on Friday ahead of the Ashes 2021/22 series against England over a series of lewd text messages with a female colleague in 2017 that was about to be made public.

Australia Test skipper Tim Paine (Photo | AP)
Australia Test skipper Tim Paine (Photo | AP)

George Bailey Would Step Aside if Voting Takes Place To Determine Whether Tim Paine Will Play As A Keeper

But he made clear he still wants to play as wicketkeeper in the opening Test in Brisbane on December 8. That decision will be made by a three-man selection panel comprising George Bailey, coach Justin Langer, and the recently appointed Tony Dodemaide.

George Bailey, who took over from Trevor Hohns as head selector earlier this year, is a close friend of Tim Paine, having long played together at Tasmania. They are also co-investors in a gym business in the state. George Bailey, who played 125 times for Australia, joined the selection panel in 2019 before he selected squads for the T20I World Cup (which Australia won) and the Ashes 2021/22.

George Bailey appointed chair of the National Selection Panel.(Getty Images)
George Bailey was appointed chair of the National Selection Panel. (Getty Images)

“If the panel was not in agreeance with Tim’s position going forward and it was going to come down to a vote, then I would step aside and leave that to Tony and Justin to work through,” George Bailey said. “They’re both aware of that.”

Tim Paine, 36, has suggested he may retire altogether after the Ashes 2021/22, and if he is not picked for Brisbane, it could spell the end of his international career. Working against him is a lack of match practice after invasive surgery in September for pain in his neck and left arm due to a bulging disc.

George Bailey: Selectors Will Be Watching Tim Paine Closely

Tim Paine made his return for Tasmania’s second XI in Hobart on Monday, grabbing six catches. George Bailey, a former skipper of the Australian limited-overs teams, said selectors were watching how he fares closely.

“One thing Tim’s always been pretty good at is the preparation side of things. He is quite meticulous,” George Bailey said. “There is no doubt it is not an ideal preparation, but we’ll watch this game and he’ll know how he gets through the four days as much as anyone.”

Alex Carey--Getty Images
Alex Carey–Getty Images

If they opt against him, Alex Carey is seen as a favourite to take the gloves in Brisbane. Alex Carey has played 45 ODIs and 11 T20Is but is yet to play the longest format. He debuted in 2018, and his last limited-overs game came against West Indies (ODI) and Bangladesh (T20) in July-August 2021.

Tim Paine’s captaincy and his wicket-keeping standards have come under severe criticism ever since India thrashed hosts Australia 2-1 in the 4 match Test series Down Under. Tim Paine has led his country to 11 wins, four draws, and eight defeats.

Under Tim Paine’s leadership, Australia had retained the Ashes and won 11 of 23 matches but had lost two successive home Test series to India.

Tim Paine-the 36-year-old’s career is in the shambles after the ‘sexting scandal’ with a co-worker back in 2017 surfaced recently.

In the aftermath of the incident, Tim Paine stepped down as the skipper of the Australian Test team after serving them since March 2018 following the Sandpaper Gate ball-tampering scandal, which resulted in captaincy bans to Steve Smith and David Warner.

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