Australia is “surprised” by the Paine scandal, but favors Ashes, says Marcus Harris

Australian Test cricketers were shocked to learn of Tim Pain’s resignation as a result of a “sexting” scandal, but are far behind to continue as wicketkeeper for the Ashes team, said batsman Marcus Harris.

Opener Harris said the players only learned of Paine’s decision half an hour before it was made public last Friday, revealing that they had been investigated for obscene text messages sent to a female Tasmanian Cricket employee four years ago.

“People were impressed, but we have a lot of good leaders on our team,” Harris told reporters Wednesday.

“So it’s not ideal, but someone has to move forward and direct it from the front.

“Painey will still be there and can show leadership in many ways, but we are eager to get into the camp and move on.”

READ:
Cricket Tasmania condemns Paine’s “horrific” treatment

Paine, who is playing a home game in Tasmania this week, while other test players are on the Gold Coast, is the only wicketkeeper specialist on the Australian 15-man Ashes team.

However, selectors chairman George Bailey has confirmed that there is no blockade for the first test to begin in Brisbane on December 8, as he races to prove he is fit after neck surgery.

Harris said Paine was very popular among the playing team, having done a “very good job” in tough situations in recent years and deserved to keep his place on the sidelines.

“I think you would still argue that he is still the best glove player in the country and played some important innings last summer against India,” he said.

“I know he has the full support of the players and like I said, those other things are in the hands of the people above me.”

Paine’s resignation and the handling of the Cricket Australia sexting scandal have sparked recriminations, as he accused the national organization Cricket Tasmania of hanging a dry wicketkeeper in 2018 to clear up any wrongdoing.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Wednesday that the players were also unhappy with Cricket Australia’s treatment of Paine, but Harris said he was unaware of any break-ups.