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Paine taking an indefinite break after torrid week

hit home in the last few days seeing Tim. I think a lot of the pressure and the responsibility on being perfect is unreasonable. I think it’s too much to ask of anyone. You’ve got to have permission to grow.”

Paine had been named in the squad for the series with England but today announced he was stepping away from all formats of the game.

Cricket Tasmania said: “Following discussions over the last 24 hours, Tim Paine has advised Cricket Tasmania he will be taking a leave of absence from all forms of cricket for the foreseeable future. Cricket Tasmania will continue to support Tim and his family both professionally and personally over the summer.”

In a further statement, Paine’s manager James Henderson raised concerns about the ex-Australian captain.

“Confirming that @tdpaine36 is stepping away from cricket for an indefinite mental health break,” he wrote on Twitter. “We are extremely concerned for his and Bonnie’s well-being and will be making no further comment at this time”.

Paine (above) became Test captain in 2018 when Smith was stripped of the role amid the ball-tampering scandal.

Smith said: “I am pleased to return to the leadership of the team and look forward to helping and assisting Pat in any way I can. Pat and I have played together for a long time, so we know our respective styles well.”

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2021-11-26T08:00:00.0000000Z

2021-11-26T08:00:00.0000000Z

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