Ashes: Pat Cummins says Tim Paine still well-respected after sexting saga

Pat Cummins has paid tribute to outgoing Test cricket captain Tim Paine, who he says has lost none of the respect of his peers.

Newly appointed Test skipper Pat Cummins believes Tim Paine’s decision to relinquish the captaincy is a credit to his leadership skills.

Paine stepped down as captain last week in the wake of a highly publicised sexting scandal and announced on Friday that he would take no part in the Ashes.

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Cummins, who had served as vice-captain since 2019, said he had spoken to Paine on the morning he was crowned his successor.

“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.”

Cummins said his time as 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

“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.”

Cummins and Steve Smith, who returns to a leadership role as vice-captain, said 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.”

Smith, who vacated the captaincy following the notorious ball-tampering saga in Cape Town, said he empathised with Paine.

“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

For Cummins, the fallout from 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.”

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 lean on 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.”