Barmy Army's brutal act in wake of Tim Paine sexting scandal

The Barmy Army is wasting little time in capitalising on the sexting scandal engulfing Australian cricket, even dragging Shane Warne into the furore.

Tim Paine stepped down as Australia's Test captain on Friday after historic messages he sent to a female staff member at Cricket Tasmania were made public.

'BRIGHTER DAYS': Wife's telling move amid Tim Paine scandal

'WHAT A JOKE': Controversy over Aussie cricket 'disgrace'

Australia is now searching for a new Test captain just two weeks out from the first Ashes Test against England, while Paine is battling to show he's still worthy of selection as wicketkeeper.

One party who will be desperate for selectors to stick with Paine is the Barmy Army - England's infamous band of supporters.

On Tuesday, the Barmy Army's official Twitter account asked fans to submit their best material for songs they could potentially use about Paine in the Ashes.

"Due to unforeseen circumstances, part of our songbook will be changing last minute," the Barmy Army tweeted with tongue heavily in cheek.

"Help us write this page for a chance to win a Barmy Army cap."

UK-based supporters won't be able to travel Down Under due to Covid-19 restrictions, but there will be plenty of English fans already in Australia ready to take up the mantle.

And one of the Barmy Army’s Australian chapters have already revealed some of the material they've come up with.

A Brisbane-based chapter of English cricket fans revealed to the Courier Mail that one song involves none other than spin king Warne.

“Tim Paine was your captain. He had a mobile phone,” the song starts.

“Advice came in from Warnie. Send a picture of your bone.”

England's Ashes preparations hampered by weather

Meanwhile, persistent rain has led to an early decision to cancel play on day two of England's tour match against the England Lions in Brisbane.

Peter Burge Oval in the coastal suburb of Wellington Point received close to 90mm of rain after play was halted just after lunch on Tuesday, with England cruising at 0-95.

With more showers forecast for Wednesday the prospect of a full day's play on day three is also unlikely.

The three-day match is one of just two opportunities for the England squad to gain match practice before the Ashes opener from December 8.

Instead Test players were set to complete an indoor session at the National Cricket Centre, while the members of the squad that competed at the Twenty20 World Cup remain in their own bubble training on the Gold Coast.

The rain, expected to linger for the rest of the week, has scuppered Ben Stokes' cricketing return after almost five months out of the game due to mental health concerns.

The dreary forecast could also have an impact on next week's crucial Australia intra-squad three-day match at Peter Burge Oval, which is set to determine the final make-up of the XI to play at the Gabba.

with AAP

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.