Tim Paine quits: Sexting scandal fallout made Ashes swansong impossible

Having resigned as Test captain over a sexting scandal, Tim Paine was determined to play in the Ashes - but ultimately the pressure proved too much writes Robert Craddock.

As shattering as it was to prematurely end his Test career, Tim Paine has bravely made the right call for himself and his team.

It’s a sad, selfless ending to a unique international career of so many remarkable threads.

Paine may be known for his unruffled “come what may’’ demeanour but he has found the fallout of his sexting scandal too much to bear and simply could not play on.

This was not his Plan A. Initially the scandal made him determined to play in a Second XI game for Tasmania and he was hell bent on finishing his career on a high with an Ashes series win.

As recently as two days ago he even signed up to play a 50 over game for Tasmania today (Friday).

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Friends who spoke to him earlier this week were surprised how clear-headed and concise he was given the turbulence around him.

But, in the last 24 hours, the collective strain on himself and his family became overwhelming and he decided he was in no fit mental state to be playing five Ashes Tests in seven weeks.

His concerns must have been deep-seated because there was a feeling, after a brutal week, the fickle tide of public and private support was subtly turning his way.

Nathan Lyon yesterday declared him the best keeper in the world. Marcus Harris promised him a hug. Players privately said they were dirty on the Cricket Australia board for abandoning him. The selectors were preparing to keep faith with him in Brisbane.

But despite this sincere and significant support he could not play on.

Tim Paine had to quit as Australian cricket captain after sordid texts were revealed. Photo: News Corp Australia

It’s a rare sportsman who can hang his problems on the dressing room door and go out and play as if he is the happiest man in the world.

Most that do are used to dealing with personal controversy where Paine, despite the occasional career hot spot, isn’t.

His biggest challenges in cricket have been generally putting out fires, not starting them.

But the past week has been brutal for Paine and his family with his manager James Henderson tweeting he was “extremely concerned’’ for the mental welfare of Paine and his wife Bonnie.

Apart from his own challenges, Paine has also had to negotiate the fallout of his brother-in-law Shannon Tubb having his coaching role at an Adelaide school under threat by revelations he was sacked by Tasmanian cricket for sending sext messages to the same woman.

The strain on Bomnie and Tim Paine ultimately brought an end to Pain's career. Picture: Instagram

At age 36, there will sadly be no way back for Paine as Australia will make generational change to Josh Inglis or Alex Carey in what is an extremely tight call.

When he stood down from the captaincy a week ago Paine said he made that move because he did not want to become a distraction for his team in the Ashes.

It soon become obvious that the distraction element would still be there if he played. The Barmy Army had made up songs. The chants would have been endless. His every fumble would have been analysed through the lens of his off field challenges.

Paine deserves rich credit for being the steady hand who guided Australia to a brighter world after the torment of the South African ball tampering scandal.

As a keeper he is world class – the ball melts into his gloves over the stumps – and his batting and leadership skills were part of an exceptional package.

This is a sad end to a fine career.

Originally published as Tim Paine quits: Sexting scandal fallout made Ashes swansong impossible