Tim Paine in tears

Tim Paine in tears.

Paine breaks down in tears – WATCH

Australian Test cricketer Tim Paine was in tears after stepping down from the captaincy after revelations of a sexting scandal in 2017.

Tim Paine in tears

Tim Paine in tears.

On Friday, Paine abruptly quit as Australian Test cricket captain on Friday over an explicit “private text exchange” with a female colleague.

The bombshell announcement comes just weeks before the Ashes series begins against arch-rivals England, with Paine making the announcement during an emotional press conference as can be seen below:

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“Today, I’m announcing my decision to stand down as the captain of the Australian men’s Test team,” said an emotional Paine, failing to hold back tears as he recounted a years-old scandal which is only now coming to light.

“Nearly four years ago, I was involved in a text exchange with a then-colleague,” Paine, 36, said, referring to what Australian media reported to be a series of sexually graphic exchanges with a female co-worker.

“I recently became aware that this private text exchange was going to become public. On reflection, my actions in 2017 do not meet the standard of an Australian cricket captain, or the wider community,” he said.

“I’m deeply sorry for the hurt and pain that I have caused to my wife, my family, and to the other party. I’m sorry for any damage that this does to the reputation of our sport.”

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While Paine said he would be stepping down from a role that was the “greatest privilege” of his life, he insisted he still plans to play in the upcoming series against England.

“I will remain a committed member of the Australian cricket team and look forward with anticipation to what is a huge Ashes tour,” he said.

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