'True story': Tim Paine responds to reporter's X-rated gaffe

Aussie captain Tim Paine has hilariously responded to an X-rated gaffe from an ABC reporter over news he requires surgery before the Ashes.

ABC News' Tony Armstrong had the show's presenters in stitches after a slip-of-the-tongue when reporting on Paine's impending surgery due to a bulging disc in his neck.

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However, Armstrong accidentally replaced disc with a different word.

"Paine has a bulging d**k that has,” before quickly correcting his mistake.

"Disk that has been — that’s a funny one — has been causing pain. I’m going to throw to you very quickly, Michael.”

The gaffe had the ABC News presenters in stitches and Michael Roland didn't want his co-worker to get away with the mistake that easily.

“A bulging what? Roland said.

“Disc, I said, disc,” Armstrong said, before bursting into laughter.

“That’s what I thought you said,” Roland said. “Thank you Tony.”

Tim Paine responds to hilarious gaffe

Unfortunately for Armstrong, the gaffe quickly made its way to Paine.

And in good humour, the Australian captain couldn't help but prop himself up.

"True story actually," Paine said.

While a joke was made over the mistake, Paine has reassured fans that he would be ready in time for the Ashes following his neck surgery.

The veteran is set to be cleared to play in eight to 10 weeks, meaning he may be able to squeeze in at least one Shield game before linking up with the Test squad.

"I will be ready to go by the first Test and am very much looking forward to what will be a huge summer," Paine said in a statement.

The Ashes are slated to start on December 8, giving the 36-year-old plenty of time to prove his fitness for the Gabba series opener.

However, any form of setback could cast doubt on Paine's prospects of facing England.

Paine, who required seven rounds of surgery to repair a recurring finger injury that started in 2010 and threatened to end his career, has demonstrated plenty of stoicism in recent years.

with AAP

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