Pat Cummins has said once he was aware of his imminent elevation to the Test captaincy post, he made a genuine push to have Steve Smith as his deputy in the format for Australia. The fast bowler has confirmed Smith was his preferred choice as a lieutenant once he was clear that he is due to be handed the leadership reign.
Cummins was officially appointed Australian men Test side’s 47th captain on November 26 after the controversial resignation of Tim Paine following the backdated case related to his inappropriate messages to an ex female co-worker back in 2017. Paine, who had relinquished his captaincy, has also gone on an indefinite break from the game.
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Alongside Cummins, Cricket Australia also informed of Smith’s return to the leadership group as the vice-captain of the Test side. Cummins strongly indicated it is him who played a pivotal role behind the move.
Thus, leaving Smith only an injury away from becoming Australia’s Test captain again, just over three and a half years after he was axed following the Cape Town ball-tampering saga.
“I think there’s a couple of more unknowns about having a bowling captain and that’s why from the outset I was absolutely determined if I was captain to have someone like Steve as vice-captain next to me,”
“I feel like I’ve got quite a lot of experience to draw on. A lot of the problems or potential issues around being a fast-bowling captain I’m sure we’ll be able to work through.”
Cummins was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Cummins further indicated that Smith could be playing a more direct role in the decision-making of the side than previous vice-captains have had the chance to do, including himself when Paine was around.
Stressing further that he asked for Smith’s vice-captaincy appointment, Cummins said the great batter is “central” to how he sees the leadership group playing its role going forward and is an “essential” cog in the functioning of the side.
Cummins will make his Test captaincy debut with the first Ashes Test in Brisbane from December 8.
