Australian Test cricket captain Tim Paine engulfed in sexting scandal

Tim Paine knew he was risking his career when he sent a female ­co-worker an unsolicited “dick pic”. The revelation comes after the Test captain sensationally quit on Friday.

Tim Paine knew he was risking his career when he sent a female ­co-worker an unsolicited dick pic.

The wicketkeeper told the woman he would be “so ­f —ked” if it came to light that he had sent her the image.

Paine sensationally quit as Test captain on Friday following a Herald Sun investigation revealing he had sent lewd text messages.

He made a tearful apology to his wife, family, teammates and cricket fans as he announced he was stepping down.

The full details of the messages, which Paine sent on the eve and morning of the first Ashes Test at the Gabba in 2017, were uncovered by the Herald Sun in recent weeks.

A tearful Tim Paine steps down as Australia’s Test captain. Picture: Chris Kidd

The Herald Sun sent a number of questions to Paine and Cricket Australia last week.

There have been a series of crisis meetings at the top levels of Cricket Australia this week in the lead-up to Paine’s resignation.

But it is understood Paine’s teammates were only told he was quitting the captaincy in a Zoom video meeting 20 minutes before he made his emotional announcement.

In text messages sent to the woman, whom the Herald Sun has chosen not to name, he revealed he was worried he would be caught out.

“We’re both f-ked if this got out,” the woman texted.

Paine sent an image of his penis with the caption “true, so f —ked” in reference to the messages becoming public.

He had also sent a series of illicit messages, including: “I’m about to give something firm a pull, myself I think (wink emoji) Well I was going to anyway ha”.

The woman then tried to change the subject, saying: “Ha, sorry I’m getting ready for work … it’s a big day for us kids.”

Paine then responded: “Will you want to taste my ***? F —k me, I’m seriously hard.”

The woman again tried to move the conversation on, texting: “I thought we were resting hands???”

Undeterred, Paine went on: “Can’t rest them when I’m this hard! Need to ease the tension … Finish me off with those lips then (name ­deleted). (Wink emoji) #trust”.

Paine then sent what is described in correspondence as the “dick pic”.

The illicit image was sent early on the morning of the first day of the Ashes Test at the Gabba in 2017 – Paine’s first game for Australia in seven years.

In correspondence with cricket authorities in June 2018, the woman claimed she was offended by “Mr Paine’s sexually explicit, unwelcome and unsolicited photograph of his genitalia in addition to the graphic sexual comments”.

Paine was emotional when he ­appeared in Tasmania at 2.30pm on Friday after the Herald Sun had broken the story online.

“I am deeply sorry for the hurt and pain that I have caused to my wife, my family and to the other party,” he said.

“I am sorry for any damage this does to the reputation of our sport and I believe it is the right decision to stand down as captain, effective ­immediately.”

He also broke down when talking about how he had disappointed his wider family.

“I’ve been blessed with a wonderful, loving and supportive family and it breaks my heart to know how much I have let them down,” Paine said.

“They have always stood by me, been my most loyal fans and I am ­indebted to them for their support.”

Paine on day one of the first Test match between Australia and England at the Gabba in Brisbane, November 23, 2017. Picture: AAP

Cricket Australia on Friday night was looking for a new captain.

It is the second time a Test captain has quit under a cloud, following Steve Smith’s departure for his role in the ball tampering scandal in Cape Town in March 2018.

Paine was appointed to the top job just days afterwards.

Cricket Australia received a complaint about the text messages and image three months later.

The full details of the incident came to light following an investigation by the Herald Sun in recent days.

Cricket Australia chairman Richard Freudenstein said that “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” to quit the captaincy.

He added that “CA does not condone this type of language or behaviour”.

However, he confirmed that Paine would still be available for ­selection as a wicketkeeper for

the coming Ashes tour, which starts in Brisbane on December 8.

Paine was upfront when grilled by former CA top cop Sean Carroll, who led the original probe.

Earl Eddings led the CA board at the time while chief executive James Sutherland and Kevin Roberts, who replaced Sutherland in October 2018, were also briefed.

It is understood that coach Justin Langer has known about the scandal – but only because he was told by Paine and not CA.

Paine and wife, Bonnie, at the 2020 Australian Cricket Awards in Melbourne. Picture: AAP

The woman was a Cricket Tasmania employee at the time the messages were sent.

Paine had interacted with her while he was playing state cricket.

The woman sent letters of complaint to Cricket Australia and Cricket Tasmania in 2018 about the texts, which she received shortly ­before she resigned in 2017.

It is understood that the woman complained about sexual harassment when she was still employed by Cricket Tasmania.

The woman claimed she was put on a performance plan shortly afterwards and was then accused of theft, after which she resigned.

Commentators criticised a statement put out by Cricket Tasmania on Friday, which stated that the woman had been charged by police, as victim blaming.

The woman has denied the claims.

The statement was not on Cricket Tasmania’s website on Friday night, although some outlets had reported the claims.

It is understood that Paine and the woman did not have a physical relationship.

They had been texting each other for months as part of their work, mainly for organisational reasons such as where Paine should pick up his bag.

The illicit exchange was described as a “one off” in the Cricket Tasmania statement.

Paine has played 35 Test matches for Australia and was regarded as the country’s best wicketkeeper, although there were questions about his batting prowess.

He was feted as the hero of Australian cricket as he set a new tone for the team following the cheating scandal in South Africa.

On Friday, he was apologising to his teammates, desperate to avoid ­derailing the Ashes tour against ­England.

“I do not want this to become an unwelcome disruption to the team ahead of what is a huge Ashes series,” he said.

When he addressed relinquishing the captaincy, he broke down in tears again.

“I have loved my role as captain of the Australian cricket team,” he said.

“It has 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 have been able to achieve together.

“To them I ask for their understanding and forgiveness.”

In a statement released by Cricket Australia after the Herald Sun published its exclusive, Cricket Australia chairman Richard Freudenstein said: “Tim felt it was in the best interests of his family and Australian cricket to take this decision to step down as captain.

“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.”

Mr Freudenstein added: “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 (to resign).

“CA does not condone this type of language or behaviour.

“Despite the mistake he made, Tim has been an exceptional leader since his appointment and the Board thanks him for his distinguished service.

“Tim will continue to be available for selection in the Test team through the Ashes summer.”

Paine’s manager, James Henderson, has been contacted for comment.