Pat Cummins is the new Australian Test Captain
Cricket Australia has appointed Pat Cummins as the skipper of Australia for the upcoming edition of Ashes Test Series with Steven Smith as his deputy. The decision came hours after former captain Tim Paine announced he will be taking an indefinite break from cricket to take care of his mental health. Cummins is now the 47th Test captain for Australia. He is also the first ever fast bowler to be appointed a full time Test captain.
Cummins, who has been the vice-captain of Australia for almost two years, takes over the leadership duties a week after Tim Paine decided to resign as Test captain following a sexting scandal.
“I am honoured to accept this role ahead of what will be a massive Ashes summer,” Cummins said in a statement. “I hope I can provide the same leadership Tim (Paine) has given the group in the past few years. With Steve and I as captains, a number of very senior players in this squad and some great young talent coming through we are a strong and tightly knit group. This is an unexpected privilege which I am very grateful for and am very much looking forward to.”
Meanwhile former Aussie captain Steven Smith has been appointed as the vice-captain of the team. Smith was banned from holding any leadership role in the aftermath of sandpaper controvery at Cape Town in 2018. He expressed his gratitude for returning to the leadership unit.
“I am pleased to return to the leadership of the team and look forward to helping and assisting Pat in any way I can. Pat and I have played together for a long time, so we know our respective styles well. We are also great friends, as is the whole group. As a team, we want to play good, positive cricket and also really enjoy each other’s company. There are exciting times ahead as we focus on the Ashes and beyond,” Smith said.
The first Test begins on December 8 in Gabba, Brisbane.
