(Cricket news) Tim Paine has officially resigned from the post of Australia's Test captain after a 'Sexting' scandal in 2017. Paine in a statement announced that his actions does not breach the code of conduct but certainly does not match the image required to lead the Australian side.

There were rumours that the Ashes would be Paine's last series anyway. Now with him not being the captain it is more likely than ever that Paine either retires after the Ashes or is dropped. Paine and Cricket Australia have both confirmed that the player will remain available for selection. Paine will surely play at least the first two Tests as the Aussies haven't named any other wicket keeper in the squad. 

Australia lack options in the captaincy department. Pat Cummins was Paine's deputy in previous tours so he would be the obvious choice. Having a fast bowler who will bowl his heart out in long spells isn't ideal to be a captain. Cummins will go off the field for rest during which someone else will have to take over which isn't a good thing. Cummins also plays all three formats of the game, add captaincy to that and his workload becomes too much.

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Australia wouldn't be too keen on going back to the Steve Smith and David Warner route after what happened with the sandpaper gate. If these things are ignored then Steve Smith is one of the best captains in the World and would be perfect for the role. Whether Australia use that option is a big question mark.

Another name thrown around is Marnus Labuschagne who may be too young for the role. The batter doesn't even captain his domestic team. His domestic captain is Usman Khawaja who is a good leader but he has just come back in the squad after 2 years away. Whatever option Australia chooses would have loopholes in it. It is important that whoever is chosen captain gets adequate support from the team and takes on the responsibility.