Michael Clarke backs Pat Cummins to take over as Australia Test captain

Michael Clarke has backed pacer Pat Cummins to become the next Test captain of the Australian cricket team. The right-arm fast bowler, who is the incumbent vice-captain of the team is the frontrunner to take the leadership role after Tim Paine’s exit due to a sexting scandal. Cricket Australia chairman Richard Freudenstein had earlier said the process of naming the captain has begun and Cummins and Steve Smith are being considered for the role.
Clarke feels the time is right to hand over the leadership reins to Cummins.

The former Australia captain further opined that Australia have plenty of experienced players in the team who can help in making decisions. “But with so much seniority in the team, I think it is the right time for him. Because they can help him.

“Steve Smith, David Warner, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood. These guys have played a truckload of Test cricket.
“They can be there to help him, with or without the C or VC next to his name.”

If Cummins grabs the role, he will be the first Australian bowler in 65 years to lead the side. The only glitch that might come in the way of 28-year-old is CA’s reluctance in naming a fast bowler as captain. Also, the pacer does not have too much prior experience of leading teams, even in domestic cricket. However, Clarke believes that Cummins is an apt candidate to become Australia captain. He also said that the pacer should be given some time to settle in. “You have to allow him time to get into this job. Because he hasn’t had 10 years of captain first-grade or state cricket,” Clarke said.