Melbourne: Australia Test skipper Tim Paine has stepped down as the captain of the side ahead of the much-awaited Ashes opener.
England and Australia will lock horns in the five-match Ashes, beginning December 8 at the Gabba, Brisbane.
Cricket Australia on Friday informed about Paine's decision to leave captaincy "immediately".
"Tim Paine has advised the Board of Cricket Australia of his decision to stand down as captain of the Australian men's Test team, effective immediately," Cricket Australia (CA) said in a statement.
Cricket Australia said the Board has accepted Paine's resignation and will now accelerate the process of identifying and appointing a new Test captain.