Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins was named the captain of the Australia test team on Friday after Tim Paine decided to resign as Test captain following a sexting scandal. He became the 47th skipper to lead the Australian men’s side in the longer format. Former skipper Steve Smith also returns to a key leadership role in Australian cricket as Pat Cummins’ deputy.
“I am honored to accept this role ahead of what will be a massive Ashes summer. I hope I can provide the same leadership Tim [Paine] has given the group in the past few years. With Steve [Smith] 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.” said Cummins in a statement
The last fast bowler to lead Australia at Test level was Ray Lindwall. It has been 65 years since a fast bowler last led the Aussies in Test matches. He was a stand-in captain for the Mumbai Test during the side’s tour of India in 1956. Pat Cummins on Friday became the first Australian pace bowler to be named as a full-time Test captain.
“Pat is an outstanding player and leader. He has earned enormous respect from his teammates. And from all corners of the game for his attitude and achievements, both on and off the field. We are extremely fortunate to have an experienced group of senior players who themselves are superb leaders. I have no doubt that Pat and Steve will be well supported in their respective leadership roles,” Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley said.
Tim Paine takes an indefinite mental health break
Former Australia Test captain Tim Paine is likely to miss the entire Ashes series after his manager announced that he is taking an indefinite mental health break from the game. Tim Paine quit Australia’s Test captaincy last Friday over the investigation by Cricket Australia in relation to a sexting scandal. Paine has sent an explicit image of his to a co-worker along with a set of lewd messages.
Cricket Tasmania confirmed Paine’s decision in their official statement: “Following discussions over the last 24 hours, Tim Paine has advised Cricket Tasmania that he will be taking a leave of absence from all forms of cricket for the foreseeable future. Cricket Tasmania will continue to support Tim and his family both professionally and personally over the summer.”
The five-Test series between Australia and England begins in Brisbane on December 8.