Australia’s New Test Captain – Pat Cummins: As expected & reported earlier, Pat Cummins is named the new captain of the Australian cricket team. Cummins, 28, will lead Australia out against England at The Gabba on December 8, replacing Tim Paine. It is the first time in the last 64 years that Australia will have a fast bowler as its captain. Cummins appointment comes after Paine resigned following a sexting scandal. Former captain Steve Smith will serve as Cummins deputy as the Ashes starts in December. Follow Insidesport.IN for all Ashes & Cricket updates.
Australia’s New Test Captain: Pat Cummins named the new captain of Australia, Steve Smith his deputy ahead of the Ashes
Pat Cummins Captain, Steve Smith Deputy: As per the Daily Telegraph, Cricket Australia came to a decision on Thursday and have elected to appoint Pat Cummins as the new captain of the side ahead of the Ashes 2021-22. Cummins was the only candidate alongside Steve Smith that were interviewed by the board, and both have since been informed of the decision.
The 47th captain of the Australian men’s Test cricket team! @patcummins30 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/bM4QefTATt
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) November 26, 2021
The decision comes a week after Tim Paine resigned from the post following a sexting scandal that became public. Paine has since made himself unavailable for the 1st Test of the Ashes.
Redemption for Steve Smith: Smith’s appointment comes in three years after he was sacked for his role in the Sandpaper gate.
Pat Cummins: First Fast Bowler appointed as Australia’s captain in last 64 Years
Meanwhile, Cummins will become the first Australian fast bowler since Ray Lindwall in 1957 to captain his side in Test cricket. Lindwall, who was part of Sir Donald Bradman’s Invincibles squad, had captained just for a solitary test. Famed leg spinner Richie Benaud was the last bowler to lead the Aussies, and he did so in fine style in 28 Tests, boasting 12 wins, 11 draws, 1 tie, 4 losses.
Australia’s New Test Captain: Pat Cummins named the new captain of Australia, Steve Smith his deputy ahead of the Ashes
Pat Cummins has been backed by several members of the Australian squad to take over and succeed, despite the rarity of fast bowling captains in Test cricket. The likes of Nathan Lyon, Shane Warne and James Anderson have all backed Cummins claim for the spot.
