'We put in place a process for finding a new captain that was going to take place over the summer in anticipation that Tim would one day retire,' he said. Pace bowler Pat Cummins could take over as captain but Freudenstein, who joined the CA board in 2019, did not rule out Smith being reappointed to the role. He has stepped down prior to the Ashes series against England starting on 8 December but the wicketkeeper-batter will remain available for selection. Paine was appointed Australia captain in 2018 following Steve Smith's ban over a ball-tampering scandal. 'The role of Australia captain must be held to the highest standards.'ĭetails of the investigation, revealed as Paine stood down as captain at a press conference on Friday, were not made public at the time. 'I acknowledge that the decision clearly sent the wrong message to the sport, to the community and to Tim - that this kind of behaviour is acceptable and without serious consequences. 'While I cannot speak about the original decision-making in 2018, what I can say is that faced with the same circumstances, and with the benefit of all relevant information about this matter, Cricket Australia would not make the same decisions today. 'This includes being able to provide any further insights around how the original judgement was made, that Tim's behaviour did not breach the code of conduct and that it did not warrant any further disciplinary action. 'I can't talk about the 2018 decision, I wasn't there,' said Freudenstein. He was appointed Australia captain earlier in 2018 but resigned on Friday over the controversy.

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