Cricket Australia (CA) chairman Richard Freudenstein on Saturday admitted that the board erred in not relieving Tim Paine of the Test captaincy when the initial investigation into his action took place.

“I can’t talk about the 2018 decision, I wasn’t there…,” Freudenstein said in a joint press conference with CA CEO Nick Hockley. “I acknowledge the decision clearly sent the wrong message that this behaviour is acceptable and without serious consequences. The role of Australian cricket captain must be held to the highest standards.”