English
Hindi
Fast bowler Pat Cummins was on Friday named captain of Australia’s men’s Test cricket team after wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Paine announced an indefinite break from all cricket. Meanwhile, batsman and former captain Steve Smith has been made the vice-captain of the team. Paine announced his resignation as Australia captain last week following a “sexting scandal” with a former Cricket Tasmania colleague in 2017. After 65 years, a fast bowler will be seen as the Test captain of Australia.
Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hawkley said in a statement: “Pat Cummins is a great player and leader. He has earned a lot of respect from his teammates and from all corners of the game for his attitude and achievements both on and off the field. We are very fortunate to have an experienced group of senior players who are themselves excellent leaders. I have no doubt that Pat and Steve will be well supported in their respective leadership roles.”
According to Cricket Australia (CA), pacer Cummins joined an elite club with the honor of premier Australia, stepping into the role as vice-captain almost two years later. Cummins said, “I am honored to have accepted this role ahead of the Ashes series. I hope that I can provide the same leadership that Tim (Paine) has given to the team over the years.” Steve and I as captains, this team has many senior players and some great young talent coming through and we have a strong team. It’s an unexpected privilege that I’m very grateful for and looking forward to “
Smith returned to the leadership group with Cummins. Smith, who made his Test debut in 2010, has been instrumental as a leader and person on and off the field. If Cummins is absent for any reason, Steve Smith will take over the captaincy in this situation. Smith said, “I am delighted to return to the leadership of the team and look forward to helping Pat in any way I can. Pat and I have played together for a long time, so we know our respective styles very well.” As a team, we want to play good and positive cricket and really enjoy each other’s company. We focus on the Ashes and beyond.” Steve Smith was banned for one year due to child tampering and was banned for captaincy for two years, which is now over.
