Former Australia skipper and legendary wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist has named the player who is the frontrunner in becoming Australia’s next skipper in Test cricket following Tim Paine’s decision to quit captaincy over a texting scandal.
Paine had stood down from the role of Aussie captain on Friday after it was revealed that the West Australian had engaged in a series of lewd text messages in late 2017.
Gilchrist, who led Australia in 6 Tests and was a deputy to both Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting, has named fast bowler Pat Cummins to become Australia’s next leader in red-ball cricket. Gilchrist reckoned Cummins is the ‘fruntrunner’ for the responsibility of leading the Aussie side in the red-ball format, especially considering the fact that the New South Wales pacer is also a current vice-captain of the Australian Test team.
“I think Pat Cummins is the frontrunner there. I’ve got no problems with him having the first opportunity. They should have him if he’s keen to do it, and he must be reasonably happy to take the role, given he’s vice-captain,” said Gilchrist, as quoted by cricket.com.au.
The 50-year-old observed that Cummins is a crucial part of the team and has grown much more as a player. Gilchrist also shared his thoughts on former skipper Steve Smith, who is also in the race to become the captain again. The cricketer-turned-commentator felt while Smith has all the potential to captain Australia again, but Cummins will be given preference currently.
“I just think Pat Cummins has developed into a more integral part of that team and grown in his knowledge of the game and experiences he’s had. I think it’s a case of whilst you’re away, someone else has come in over the top of you, to an extent. Steve Smith could very well take the captaincy again, but Pat Cummins will be the guy they lean to now,” added Gilchrist.
