Pat Cummins Takes Over the Captaincy of Australia
The Australian captaincy has been under the spotlight this week following a series of sexting allegations between Tim Paine and a female colleague. Wicket-keeper captain Tim Paine has been the long-time test captain for the Aussies but following a historical investigation into his conduct back in November 2017, he has been forced to step down. The announcement comes at a crucial juncture with the Ashes series set to begin this winter against England.
The Ashes series is set to begin again in less than two weeks as Australia host England and will seek to retain the series – all eyes are on the field despite a series of controversies in the Australia camp in the build-up to this match. ©foxycoxy/Pixabay
In a statement that was delivered to the public’s attention via a press conference, Cricket Tasmania set that Tim Paine would be taking an indefinite leave of absence and would not be representing Australia for the foreseeable future. Given the seniority of the player and his age, it appears unlikely Tim Paine will ever represent Australia again. The statement went on to say how they will continue to provide support to Tim and his family, both personally and professionally.
Considering the removal of Tim Paine from the position, fast-bowler and wicket-taking veteran in the test match game Pat Cummins has been asked to take over the responsibility. Steve Smith, a former captain himself has been promoted to Vice-Captain for the series this winter. The bowling and batting pair now in the captaincy role will likely bolster the team on the field and ensure that they remain well-balanced when it comes to key strategic decision-making during the matches.
The treatment of Tim Paine by Cricket Australia has shocked some people, with critics calling the public defamation despicable. It’s been reported the investigation has taken a tremendous toll on the mental health of the player, and the Paine family. With concern for their well-being still paramount throughout this ordeal, Cricket Australia hasn’t spoken at length publicly about the intricacies of the investigation.
Misconduct Investigation into Tim Paine Messages to Colleague
The case focuses on the text messages that were sent by Tim Paine to a female colleague in 2017, which she reported in 2018. This incident led to an investigation where Cricket Australia effectively exonerated Paine, saying that no further action was required or would be appropriate – and cleared him of any breach of code of conduct. However, after it has been revealed this week that the messages are going to be revealed publicly, Tim Paine announced in a tearful press conference that he was stepping down from his post as his actions fell short of what is expected from an Australian cricket captain.
Paine has led the Australian cricket team in 23 Test matches, winning 11 of those matches, losing 8, and drawing 4. Under his captaincy, the Australians retained the Ashes in 2019, in England, in a 2-2 draw which was the first away retention the Aussies had managed since 2001. Tim Paine was appointed to the captaincy post following the removal of Steve Smith during the ball-tampering scandal against South Africa at a test match back in 2018.
It’s clear that Tim Paine still commands a great deal of respect within the Australian dressing room. The wicket-keeper captain has been in situations before where his conduct has been called into question, including accusations of swearing at officials and sledging players in India. These actions are not deemed serious enough to warrant any disciplinary action as they are part of cricket.
The Australian team has thrown their full support behind their captain over the past weeks. Both Marcus Harris and Gary Lyon have come out publicly and said that the Australian selectors need to pick the best available XI, and in their eyes Tim Paine is the best wicketkeeper in the world.
Josh Inglis Could Be the Replacement Wicket Keeper
Just over a week ago, Tim Paine would have been preparing to put the gloves on and lead his company out onto the field for a home Ashes Series. It would have been an incredibly proud moment for the player, instead, he will not be playing, and his international career looks to be over. This sudden loss of a key player has not done any good for the squad, and they will be desperately trying to rally the squad to pull together and move past the incident.
In Paine’s absence, the responsibility to keep wicket may fall on Josh Inglis, who is heavily tipped to be making his test debut considering the recent news. Another candidate is Alex Carey, and between the two young glovemen, one will emerge to take this incredibly important position throughout the series.
In another curious turn of events, it seems that young Josh Inglis has a deep and personal connection to England, having been born in Leeds and grown-up their most of his childhood. Inglis moved to Australia during his teenage years and up until recently admitted that he supported the English cricket team over the Australians. Whether or not this dampens his chances to represent Australia remains to be seen.
