Pat Cummins Credits 'Well-Respected' Tim Paine For Growth In Leadership Quality
Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins claimed that disgraced former Aussie Test skipper, Tim Paine, is still well respected among his peers. He also credited Paine for teaching him the qualities of a leader.
Paine had to resign from his role as the captain following a ‘sexting’ scandal that went public a week ago. He also announced that he will be taking an indefinite break from cricket to focus on his mental health. In his stead, Cummins has been elevated to the captain’s role and his first assignment will be the Ashes.
“When I spoke to (Paine) this morning, he wanted to make it really clear that part of his decision of taking a break was that he didn’t want (the sexting scandal) to be a distraction. That’s probably another tick for his leadership and how highly he thinks of the team.“
“He’s been incredible for me, especially since being vice-captain. I feel like I’m really well-equipped. I’ve had a good few years of training. I think (the transition) will be pretty seamless. There’s absolutely no issue among the boys,” Cummins told reporters on Friday.
“We hope that we see him back in the team” – Pat Cummins
The entire Australian team and management are fully behind Tim Paine in this tough phase, Pat Cummins revealed. Although the scandal put yet another mark on Australia’s history, Cummins believes Paine is loved and the team hopes to see him back on the field soon.
“We really feel for Tim and his family. He’s just a really loved, well-respected leader of our team. We love him. We hope that we see him back in the team soon and we just wish him all the best. He’s obviously going through a tough time,” Cummins added.
Steve Smith has been appointed as Cummins’ deputy and during the tough phases in a match, Cummins will turn to the experienced batsman for advice.
“There’s going to be times where I’m out in the middle, it’s a hot day, I’m in the middle of a spell and I need to turn to people for advice, for tactics, for experience. That’s one of the main reasons why I wanted Steve to be vice-captain.“
“I think it potentially could look different from how you’ve seen partnerships work in the past. It’s going to be a really collaborative approach,” Cummins concluded.
The Ashes begins on December 8 at the Gabba in Brisbane.
