Melbourne [Australia], November 19: Australia Test skipper Tim Paine has stepped down as the captain of the side ahead of the much-awaited Ashes opener. England and Australia will lock horns in the five-match Ashes, beginning December 8 at the Gabba, Brisbane.

Cricket Australia on Friday informed about Paine's decision to leave captaincy "immediately". "Tim Paine has advised the Board of Cricket Australia of his decision to stand down as captain of the Australian men's Test team, effective immediately," Cricket Australia (CA) said in a statement. Tim Paine Steps Down From Test Captaincy Due to Sexting Scandal Ahead of Ashes 2021, Says ‘ I Deeply Regretted This Incident’.

Cricket Australia said the Board has accepted Paine's resignation and will now accelerate the process of identifying and appointing a new Test captain. "Tim felt it was in the best interests of his family and Australian cricket to take this decision to step down as captain," CA Chair Richard Freudenstein said in a statement. Chris Gayle Hints at Continuing Playing Cricket, Says ‘I Ain’t Leaving’.

Cricket Australia's Tweet for Tim Paine

JUST IN: Tim Paine stands down as captain of the Australian Men's Test team...

More to come... #Ashes

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 19, 2021

"The Board has accepted Tim's resignation and will now work through a process with the National Selection Panel of identifying and appointing a new captain. "While the Board acknowledges an investigation cleared Tim of any breach of the code of conduct regarding this matter some years ago, we respect his decision. "CA does not condone this type of language or behaviour," the statement concluded.

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