CUMMINS SKIPPER AS SMITH OUT OF EXILE
IN a historic announcement, Pat Cummins has been appointed Australia’s 47th Test cricket captain.
He becomes our first fast bowling Test skipper since Ray Lindwall in a one-off Test against India in 1956.
Cummins’ deputy will be former captain Steve Smith.
It’s understood the Cricket Australia board made its decision at a meeting on Thursday night.
Cummins and Smith were the only two candidates interviewed for the positions after a dramatic week.
Cummins said he wanted Smith as his vice-captain for his experience as a leader to help him while he handled huge workloads as the team’s premier fast bowler.
“How it looks, it could look different to what you’ve seen partnerships work in the past,” Cummins said.
“Steve (will be) taking an elevated vice-captaincy role. We will nut out how exactly that works but it will be a real collaborative approach.
“Steve has huge strengths around tactics on the field, he sees it differently from first slip.
“I will lean on him ... it might look different from the outside to other captains in the past.”
Smith said his job was to do whatever he could to take pressure off Cummins.
“It’s my job to help Patrick in any way I can,” Smith said. “If there’s time on the field I can help and I guess help the workload with Pat then that is my job. We have known each other a long time, we’re close friends and get on really well and complement each other really well.
“This could be a real great partnership together moving forward.”
Smith accepted there would be critics of his return to captaincy after the infamous Sandpapergate incident in 2018.
“I’ve been in a position the last few years as a leader on the field but now to be here as a formal or titled leader I am truly honoured,” Smith said. “I think there will be some negativity from some people around it, I understand that and get it.
“For me I know I’ve grown a great deal the last three or four years. I’m a more well-rounded individual and it’s turned me into a better leader.”
Cummins said he had no intention of being rested during the Ashes or missing a Test match as part of Australia’s fast bowler rotation policy.
“I very much doubt I will rest from Test cricket. I’ve never rested from Test cricket before and I doubt I will start now,” Cummins said.
“I am really campaign focused ... I will put everything in these next six weeks and five Test matches and go from there.
“(But) if I am injured or to miss a game Steve would take over and it would be seamless.”
Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley made special mention of ex-captain Tim Paine and his decision to step away from cricket to concentrate on his mental health.
“It is fair to say their appointment comes after a fairly challenging week for everyone,” Hockley said.
“That being said, Pat and Steve are extremely well-credentialed to lead this team.
“We do recognise this is an incredibly difficult time for Tim and his family. We understand and respect Tim’s decision to take time to focus on his family and wellbeing.”
This could be a real great partnership moving forward.
Steve Smith (right)