Tim Paine takes indefinite break from cricket for mental health concerns

Former Australia skipper Tim Paine has taken an indefinite break from cricket to address his mental health concerns. The 36-year-old has found himself at the forefront of a controversy after his ‘sexting scandal’ with a female colleague from 2017 emerged. Soon after, Paine stepped down as the skipper of the Test team after which Pat Cummins replaced him at the helm.

Cummins was named as their vice-captain for the Ashes before being made the skipper in the aftermath of Paine’s controversial occurring. Earlier, Paine was set to represent his state team, Tasmania, in the One-Day Cup ahead of the upcoming five-match Test series, starting December 8.

“Following discussions over the last 24 hours, Tim Paine has advised Cricket Tasmania that he will be taking a leave of absence from all forms of cricket for the foreseeable future. Cricket Tasmania will continue to support Tim and his family both professionally and personally over the summer,” Cricket Tasmania said in a statement, Cricbuzz reported.

CA supporting Tim Paine

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer, Nick Hockley, extended his support for Paine and the latter’s family during the tumultuous times.

“We recognise that this is an incredibly difficult time for Tim and his family and are committed to supporting them. We respect and understand Tim’s decision to have a break at this time to focus on his and his family’s well-being,” Hockley said.

James Henderson, Paine’s manager, expressed concerns over Paine and his wife’s well-being. “Confirming that (Paine) is stepping away from cricket for an indefinite mental health break. We are extremely concerned for his and Bonnie’s well-being and will be making no further comment at this time,” Henderson tweeted.

Earlier, Paine said that he’d be available for selection in the Test team despite relinquishing captaincy. Now that he’s chosen to move away for an indefinite time period, it remains to be seen if he returns at least for the latter half of the Ashes.

After the recent development, it’s likely for either Josh Inglis or Alex Carey to make a debut in the opening Test at the Gabba in Brisbane. Spin wizard Shane Warne, previously, backed Inglis to replace Paine as the keeper in Tests.

Paine became the Australia Test skipper back in March 2018 after the ball-tampering saga and he led the national team for more than three and half years.