Pat Cummins isn't thinking about Australian Test captaincy: Details here
Australian pacer Pat Cummins has been touted as one of the future Test captains by current skipper Tim Paine. The star pacer feels nice regarding Paine's backing, however, he isn't thinking about Australian Test captaincy at the moment. Besides Cummins, Steve Smith is also one of the contenders. Recently, his captaincy ban came to an end. Here's more.
Paine had named future contenders for captaincy, backed Smith
Earlier this week, Paine named the likes of Smith, Cummins, Travis Head, Alex Carey and Marnus Labuschagne among those who could take up the captaincy in the longest format. Paine said he will support former captain Smith for the job if he decides on the same. Meanwhile, former skipper Michael Clarke has long been pushing for Cummins, who is the vice-captain of this side.
Cummins goes on to praise Paine
Cummins stated he is glad to be Australia's vice-captain and felt Paine is brilliant as a leader. "It's nice to hear, I don't think it makes me want it more or less. I'm glad being a vice-captain under him that I get that nod. He's brilliant," Cummins was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.
It's not quite right talking about captaincy now: Cummins
Cummins added it isn't the right time talking about captaincy. "Like I've said a hundred times before, I kind of feel it's not quite right talking about captaincy now when we've got someone like Painey and Finchy (limited-overs captain Aaron Finch) doing great jobs. We'll see down the track, but at the moment it's bit of a moot point," Cummins said.
Cummins has been a leading figure in Test cricket
In 30 Test matches, Cummins has claimed 143 wickets at an average of 21.82 with a best of 6/23. Last year, Paine was unstoppable and claimed the highest number of Test scalps. He ended up with 59 wickets in just 12 Tests at 20.13. In the 2019 ICC Awards, Cummins was adjudged the Test player of the Year. He has been superb for Australia.
Cummins could be a valid option for Australia: Our take
Cummins' consistency is something that needs to be lauded. He has character and authority. Being the vice-captain, he has also gained immense knowledge. Cummins is just 26 and he can be groomed well, before being handed the leadership role.
