Tim Paine looks to have ruled himself out of The Ashes after announcing an immediate break from cricket “for the foreseeable future”.
Paine resigned as Australia captain last week after sending sexually explicit text messages to a female colleague four years ago.
He had returned to playing from injury for Tasmania’s second team but, on Friday, it was revealed the 36-year-old would step away from the game.
Paine had previously been named in Australia’s squad for the series against England, which gets under way on December 8.
In a statement, Cricket Tasmania said: “Following discussions over the last 24 hours, Tim Paine has advised Cricket Tasmania that 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.”
His side had been scathing about Cricket Australia’s previous handling of him stepping down as captain of the national side just a few weeks out from the Ashes.
In a further statement, Paine’s manager James Henderson raised concerns about the ex-Australian captain.
“Confirming that Tim Paine 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’s replacement has been confirmed as fast-bowler Pat Cummins, who will have Steve Smith - himself a former disgraced captain - returning as deputy for The Ashes.
