Gilchrist backs Pat as skipper
FORMER Australian wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist believes Pat Cummins would be the perfect successor to Tim Paine as Australia’s next Test captain.
With Paine’s neck surgery leaving him at risk of potentially missing part of the upcoming Ashes series on home soil, it could open the door for someone to stake their claim as the national team’s next captain.
Gilchrist, who was a regular vice-captain for the Australian Test and ODI teams throughout his glittering career, felt Cummins was in a league of his own in comparison to his Test peers.
“Pat Cummins is literally the type of leader that Australian cricket admires, and the players acknowledge and respect,” Gilchrist told SEN.
“I think he is the leader by way of being at the top of the pack to assume that position.
“Be it the first Test at the Gabba, the first Test of the next summer or whenever the next Test cricket is after this summer, whenever Tim Paine does finish up.
“It is inevitably getting closer, the changing of the guard at the top, and I think Pat is the gentleman that’s positioned highest in readiness to take over.”
Cummins became a vicecaptain of Australia’s Test and ODI team in 2019 and 2020 respectively, so already has experience in that domain.
However, fast bowlers are historically not associated with the Australian captaincy. In fact, the last pace bowler who doubled as captain was Ray Lindwall in 1956.
Recent captains have been a mix of wicketkeepers and batsmen, but according to Gilchrist, history shouldn’t have an influence as to whether Cummins would be a good fit for the role.
“For a certain individual, I don’t think anyone should be pigeonholed,” Gilchrist said.
“For me personally, I don’t think I would have made a great fist of being full-time captain.
“I personally felt it would have been challenging to focus on everything you’ve got and captain the team regularly.
“It was a nice experience occasionally to do it, and it was great to be vice-captain to chip in with your experience or any opinion.
“But Tim Paine’s done a terrific job at it, MS Dhoni was outstanding, so too Andy Flower in Zimbabwe.
“There’s a few instances when you’re an exception, and Pat Cummins should be considered that.
“He is balanced enough, professional enough and skilful enough. I don’t think Pat should be pigeonholed just because he’s a fast bowler.”
Cummins made his Test debut in 2011 against South Africa, and has played in over 30 Test series for Australia.
He’ll be looking to further cement his reputation as one of the best in the world with the ball in hand when the Ashes commences with the First Test on December 8.