Tim Paine steps down as Australia Test captain over sexting scandal

Paine, 36, had been expected to lead his side in the Ashes against England which starts in Brisbane on December 8

Australia's Tim Paine has stepped down as captain of the Australia Test cricket team less than three weeks before the Ashes. Picture: Mike Egerton

Tim Paine has stepped down as captain of the Australia Test cricket team less than three weeks before the Ashes over a sexting exchange with a former colleague.

Paine, 36, had been expected to lead his side in the series against England which starts in Brisbane on December 8, but made the “incredibly difficult decision” to leave the role.