Tim Paine has revealed Justin Langer wanted him to remain as Australian captain, even after revelations of his sexting scandal came to light.
Paine stepped down on Friday, saying that “on reflection” his actions did not meet the standards required of an Australian skipper.
Fast bowler Pat Cummins is the favourite to take over as Test captain, with the first Test of the Ashes series set to begin on December 8 in Brisbane.
But in an interview with News Corp, Paine has revealed Langer’s initial reaction was that the wicketkeeper should remain in charge.
READ MORE: Damning new details surface in Paine sexting saga
READ MORE: Fresh championship blow for Verstappen
READ MORE: Missing tennis star holds video call
READ MORE: Cricket Tasmania accused of ‘victim blaming’
“It was hard, but I know it’s the right thing to do,” Paine said.
“I feel completely gutted, but it’s all my doing, and I know resigning is the right call.
“JL (Justin Langer) told me he’s devastated.
“He was pretty firm that he wanted me to continue as captain, and again, once I explained to him the reasons that I thought resigning was the best thing to do, he was with me all the way.
“I’ve got messages from all my teammates saying they’ve got my back, and that we all make mistakes, and we move on.”
Paine’s resignation has re-opened wounds within the cricket community, with former CA chairman David Peever accusing the current administration of abandoning Paine.
Peever’s comments come after current chairman Richard Freudenstein conceded Paine should have been sacked in 2018.
“Tim has been an incredible servant of the game and took over the leadership of the national team in the most difficult of circumstances,” Peever told the Sydney Morning Herald.
“He has led with distinction for more than three years. He deserves Cricket Australia’s loyalty and not to be abandoned at this time.”
Peever argued that, having been cleared in 2018, Paine shouldn’t have been compelled to resign more than three years down the track.
“He was found not to have breached Cricket Australia’s code of conduct or any other rules, and the matter considered private and consensual between two adults,” he said.
“Why have a code of conduct if you are going to make up your own rules as you go?”
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!