Australian captain Tim Paine has stood down from the role after he became embroiled in an alleged sexting scandal.
It has been reported that Paine send explicit images to a female co-worker in the build-up to the first Test of the 2017-18 Ashes series, about six months before he officially became captain of the Australian team.
Paine replaced Steve Smith as captain following the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal.
A tearful Paine held a short press conference on Friday in Hobart at which he refused to take questions.
"Today, I'm announcing my decision to stand down as the Australian Test cricket captain," Paine said.
"It's an incredibly difficult decision, but it's the right one for me, my family, and cricket."
Paine confirmed the reports made in the Herald Sun earlier today that he was involved in an exchange with a colleague at Cricket Australia, and confirmed it had been investigated at the time, but that he was also cleared of any wrongdoing.
"At the time, the exchange was the subject of a thorough CA Integrity Unit investigation, throughout which I fully participated in and openly participated in. That investigation and a Cricket Tasmania HR investigation at the same time found that there had been no breach of the Cricket Australia Code of Conduct.
"Although exonerated, I deeply regretted this incident at the time, and still do today. I spoke to my wife and family at the time and am enormously grateful for their forgiveness and support. We thought this incident was behind us and that I could focus entirely on the team, as I have done for the last three or four years.
"However, I recently became aware that this private text exchange was going to become public. On reflection, my actions in 2017 do not meet the standard of an Australian cricket captain, or the wider community. I'm deeply sorry for the hurt and pain that I have caused to my wife, my family, and to the other party."
Paine said that he was aware his actions didn't meet the standards which should be asked of him.
"On reflection, my actions in 2017 do not meet the standards of an Australian Test captain.
"I'm sorry for the pain I have caused my wife and family."
"I believe it is the right decision for me to stand down immediately."
Paine refused to withdraw from the upcoming Ashes series though, saying he would remain a part of the team.
"I will remain a committed member of the Australian cricket team, and look forward to what is a huge Ashes series," Paine added.
Australia will now need to appoint a new captain ahead of the Ashes, which starts in under three weeks time.
Pat Cummins, as current vice-captain, would naturally be expected to step up to the role, however, former captain Steve Smith is also in the team and has served his leadership ban, meaning he could also take over.
