Australian pace bowler Pat Cummins has replaced ex-Test captain Tim Paine as the partnering cover athlete for Big Ant Studios' Cricket 22 game.

The game was introduced as the 'official game of the Ashes' for the upcoming summer, with Paine and Australian women's captain Meg Lanning originally positioned on the cover.

Following a recent sexting scandal that saw Paine resign as captain of Australia, Big Ant Studios have since decided to replace the veteran wicketkeeper with Cummins for digital copies.

Physical copies of Cricket 22 will still include Paine on the cover following distribution despite Big Ant delaying the release of the multi-console game, which was set to be available on Thursday.

Ross Symons, CEO of Big Ant, released a statement on the decision to replace Paine with Cummins on the cover.

"Factors beyond our control have meant that we need to update the game's cover art, other visuals and team lists,"the statement reads.

"There was a critical day 1 patch that players will need to enjoy the full Cricket 22 experience that has consequently needed to be revoked.

"This is the first time Big Ant Studios have ever had to delay a game release but we find ourselves in an unprecedented position.

"Everyone at Big Ant Studios would like to thank our fans and supporters for understanding our need to do this, ensuring the game is as full and authentic a cricket experience as possible."

Symons alerted 9 News of their decision to delay the release of their game for this summer's cricket action following the revelation of Paine's scandal.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - APRIL 01: Tim Paine of Australia during day 3 of the 4th Sunfoil Test match between South Africa and Australia at Bidvest Wanderers Stadium on April 01, 2018 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lee Warren/Gallo Images/Getty Images)

"The covers of our games have traditionally shown, with equal prominence, the men's and women's Australian captains," Mr Symons said.

"As Tim has resigned his captaincy, the Cricket 22 cover will be changed on all digital storefronts.

"For those that have purchased a retail version of Cricket 22, we will be providing a digital copy of the new cover, enabling them to print a new replacement cover at home if they wish."

Cummins firms as one of several options Cricket Australia are sure to consider replacing Paine as Test captain.

The official release of Cricket 22 has been pushed back by one week, now scheduled for Thursday, December 2.