‘I think it’s too much to ask’ – Pat Cummins on leading Australia in all formats
Steve Smith, Pat Cummins (Photo by JEREMY NG/AFP via Getty Images)
Australia’s latest Test captain Pat Cummins has said he is not interested in captaining the team in the white-ball formats. The 28-year-old was appointed as captain by Cricket Australia (CA) following Tim Paine’s resignation over the sexting scandal. Cummins will thus become the first fast bowler in Australia’s 144-year history to lead the team.
When quizzed if he would like to lead the team in white-ball formats as well, Cummins said that split captaincy is suiting the team. Australia opening batter Aaron Finch is in charge of the team in the white-ball formats and Cummins reckons expecting him to lead in all formats will be a bit too much to ask.
“It’s probably too early to say, mainly because I start this role and see where we go. My gut feeling and preference at the moment is to have separate captains.
“I think it’s too much to ask, certainly of me. I’d love to just concentrate on Test cricket.”
Finch led Australia to its maiden 20-20 World Cup in UAE. Australia were not even considered favourites yet the team managed to do well against top teams like West Indies, Pakistan, and New Zealand. Cummins feels Finch is doing a good job at the moment.
“Aaron’s doing a fantastic job,” Cummins told the Australian Associated Press.
The fast bowler will start his captaincy tenure with the Ashes series which is due to begin on December 8. Steve Smith has been named the vice-captain of the team. Apart from the duo, the Australia squad boasts of a good bunch of youth and experienced players.
