Notes

Ashes: Pat Cummins Says Tim Paine is still Well-respected Despite The Sexting Saga

Pat Cummins, a new Test skipper, believes Tim Paine's choice not to be captain is a testament to his leadership skills.



Paine was dismissed as captain last week in the wake of a widely-publicised sexting scandal and announced on Friday that he will not be taking part in the Ashes.



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Cummins who has been vice-captain from 2019, stated that he had spoken with Paine the morning he was crowned his successor.



"When I spoke with (Paine) this morning, he wanted to make it really clear that the main reason for his decision of taking the time off was because he did not want (the sexting scandal) to be a distraction," Cummins told reporters on Friday.



"That's probably another tick for his leadership qualities and the high esteem he gives the team."



Cummins said his time as Paine's deputy had left him in good position to assume the reins.



Cummins said, "He's been amazing for me, particularly since I was vice-captain."



"I feel that I'm well-equipped. I've been through a few years of education.



"I believe (the transition) will be pretty smooth. There's no problem between the boys."



Cummins and Steve Smith, who returns to the leadership position as vice-captain Paine has not lost the admiration of his peers.



"We truly feel for Tim and his family. He's just a really loved, well-respected leader of our team," Cummins said.



"We love him. We hope that we will see him back in the team soon and we just wish him the best of luck.



"He's clearly experiencing a difficult time."



Smith who was sacked from the captaincy following the scandalous ball-tampering scandal that erupted in Cape Town, said he sympathized with Paine.



He added, "I have been through some difficult times myself and I would like to encourage him to take good care of himself and be kind to him."



"My prayers and thoughts are with his family and his friends."



For Cummins the fallout of Paine's sexting scandal proved an appropriate reminder of the high standards to which leaders in the Test cricket team are held.



"That's really come to the forefront in the last few days," he said.



"A lot of the pressure and the responsibility of being perfect is unreasonable. It's too much to expect from anyone.


Read More: https://sexting.ink/