Test captain Tim Paine has resigned from the top job in Australian cricket on the cusp of the Ashes series, amid accusations he sexted a woman.

Paine is alleged to have sent a then-employee of Cricket Australia an unsolicited photo of his genitalia as well as several lewd messages, The Herald Sun reported.

Having investigated the claim, Cricket Tasmania established the interaction was consensual (full statement below).

The now former captain brushed away tears as he addressed the media, admitting the messages “do not meet the standard of an Australian cricket captain or the wider community”.

Paine said resigning is “a difficult decision, but the right one for me and Cricket”.

“I am deeply sorry for the hurt and pain that I have caused to my wife, to my family, and to the other party.

“I’m sorry for any damage that this does to the reputation of our sport.”

Investigations by the Cricket Australia integrity unit and Cricket Tasmania’s HR department found no code of conduct breach, he said.

“Although exonerated, I deeply regretted this incident at the time and still do today.”

While his resignation from the captaincy is effective immediately, Cricket Australia have confirmed Paine will remain a part of the Ashes team.

Press PLAY below to hear the full press conference

Cricket Tasmania say that they were not made aware of the former employee’s allegation against Paine until after her employment had been terminated.

Theft charges were later laid against the former employee, and the matter remains before the courts.

An investigation by Cricket Tasmania found the incident was consensual, private, and occurred only once, determining no further action was to be taken.

Full statement from Cricket Tasmania:

This story has multiple layers by the looks pic.twitter.com/DiEcmjOzrm

— Bryce Parker (@bryce_parker26) November 19, 2021

Image: Nine News