Test captain Tim Paine has resigned from the top job in Australian cricket on the cusp of the Ashes series, amid accusations he sexted a woman without consent.

Paine is alleged to have sent a then-employee of Cricket Australia an unsolicited photo of his genitalia as well as several lewd messages, The Herald Sun reported.

The now former captain brushed away tears as he addressed the media, admitting the messages “do not meet the standard of an Australian cricket captain or the wider community”.

Paine said resigning is “a difficult decision, but the right one for me and Cricket”.

“I am deeply sorry for the hurt and pain that I have caused to my wife, to my family, and to the other party.

“I’m sorry for any damage that this does to the reputation of our sport.”

Investigations by the Cricket Australia integrity unit and Cricket Tasmania’s HR department found no code of conduct breach, he said.

“Although exonerated, I deeply regretted this incident at the time and still do today.”

While his resignation from the captaincy is effective immediately, Cricket Australia have confirmed Paine will remain a part of the Ashes team.

Press PLAY below to hear Sofie Formica and Peter Psaltis discuss the fallout

Peter Psaltis said on 4BC Drive he didn’t think it was tenable that Paine remains in the Australian team, and it was “time to move on”.

Scott Emerson said Cricket Australia had a lot of questions to answer.

Press PLAY to hear their discussion in full

Image: Nine News