Pat Cummins has been confirmed as the newest captain of the Australian Test cricket team.
The NSW quick was confirmed as skipper by Cricket Australia on Friday afternoon, and he will lead the team at the Gabba in the first Ashes Test in less than two weeks.
Steve Smith will return to a leadership role, being named the new vice-captain.
Cummins, 28, becomes the 47th man to lead the Australian Test side, taking over from Tim Paine, who resigned last week. He’ll become the first pace bowler to lead Australia since Ray Lindwall in 1956.
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He has been one of the key members of Australia’s bowling attack over the past few years, racking up 34 Test appearances since a debut as a teenager in 2011.
After an injury-plagued few years, he returned to the national side nearly five and a half years later, and has been a mainstay ever since.
“I am honoured to accept this role ahead of what will be a massive Ashes summer,” Cummins said in a statement.
“I hope I can provide the same leadership Tim [Paine] has given the group in the past few years.
“With Steve and I as captains, a number of very senior players in this squad and some great young talent coming through we are a strong and tightly knit group.
“This is an unexpected privilege which I am very grateful for and am very much looking forward to.”
The news comes after Tim Paine announced earlier today that he would not be remaining in the team in any capacity, despite originally saying he would remain in the team as a wicketkeeper, despite no long being captain.
Smith makes his return to a leadership role after being stripped of the captaincy following the 2018 sandpaper scandal.
“I am pleased to return to the leadership of the team and look forward to helping and assisting Pat in any way I can. Pat and I have played together for a long time, so we know our respective styles well,” Smith said.
“We are also great friends, as is the whole group. As a team, we want to play good, positive cricket and also really enjoy each other’s company. They are exciting times ahead as we focus on the Ashes and beyond.”
Nathan Lyon gave a ringing endorsement of his state teammate becoming the new captain when he was asked on Thursday.
“Playing under Pat at NSW cricket in a one-day set up last year, I think he did a really good job,” he said.
“I know it’s going to be a different kettle of fish, but he’s got a lot of senior players around him to support him if he gets the nod.”
Cummins himself was asked about leadership aspirations last week, saying there would be no issues about juggling the responsibility of spearheading the bowling attack as well as making tactical decisions.
“If I was in the role and I found it tough, at times, there’s ten other guys I’d lean on out in the middle,” he said.
“You’ve got people like Smithy and Davey Warner who are incredibly experienced, all the bowlers are experienced and look after themselves pretty well so I’d have no issues handballing it over to other people to help out.”
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