Head endorsed to skipper side

CALLUM Ferguson believes his South Australia skipper Travis Head is ready to become Australia’s 47th Test captain should Tim Paine suffer an injury at any point during the Ashes.

Head and Pat Cummins were named joint vice-captains in the Ashes touring party, but it’s unclear who would lead the team if Paine was an enforced omission. Chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns flagged that “possibly it would be Pat Cummins” during the squad announcement, but added “you can’t hold me to that”.

The board of Cricket Australia (CA), which placed a 24month leadership ban on Steve Smith as part of punishments handed down in response to the Cape Town cheating scandal, would have to rubber stamp any appointment.

Ferguson, having watched his state teammate go from strength to strength since being appointed SA captain at age 21, suggested Head would excel if asked to captain his county in the Test series.

“He’s got a really good demeanour around our group. Rain, hail or shine,” Ferguson said. “He led two sides to Sheffield Shield finals at a young age. It’s just been a fantastic six or seven years, watching him develop into the player he is now and seeing the maturity he plays with, without losing his flair.

“With the experience in that Australian dressing room, I’ve got no doubt he’d do a fine job and certainly the players would be really pleased to play under him. Because he’s held in great regard.”

Smith is already delivering plenty of pointers to Paine, something that would almost certainly continue if Head were calling the shots.

CA continues to insist it hasn’t contemplated the prospect of Smith reclaiming the captaincy.

Head suggested last week he’d feel comfortable leading Australia if needed.

Head scored 109 not out on Wednesday, with Ferguson among the Worcestershire fielders impressed by what they saw.

“He puts pressure back on bowling attacks. That’s something that has been a hallmark of Australian batting for a long time now,” Ferguson said. “He plays with a lot of confidence.”