Pat Cummins Has Got A Lot Of Support Around Him, He'll Be Fine Strategically - Justin Langer

Australia head coach Justin Langer said that newly-appointed Test skipper Pat Cummins will have plenty of people around him to give him support and help him on and off the field in decision making.

Pat Cummins was announced as Australia’s 47th Test captain, with Steve Smith his deputy, after former skipper Tim Paine resigned from the post amid the emergence of his ‘sexting’ scandal.

There have been doubts over how would the lanky pacer take up his responsibility considering he hasn’t captained in more than a few games in domestic cricket.

Justin Langer, though, highlighted that Pat Cummins will have the support and information from other players who have been in the leadership role.

“Pat will get all the golden nuggets (of data) and he’s got a lot of support around him. Steve Smith’s the formal vice captain, David Warner’s got as good a cricket brain as is in the game. Alex Carey has been a captain before, he’s behind the stumps. He’s got his three best mates there, the bowlers, who will have a view on it,” Justin Langer told reporters on Saturday.

It will be just maintaining the balance with his bowling load and then captaining: Justin Langer

Cummins is the first Australia Test captain who is a fast bowler since Ray Lindwall led the side in a one-off Test in 1956.

Justin Langer stressed the importance of striking the balance between Cummins’ bowling workload and his captaincy duties.

“He’ll be fine strategically I think. It will be just maintaining the balance with his bowling load and then captaining and all the other commitments that come with that. We’ll keep an eye on that,” the coach stated.

The first Ashes Test is slated for Brisbane from December 8. Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth are slotted to host the next four Tests, however, that is subject to change.

Also Read: The Ashes 2021-22: Jason Gillespie Speaks Up On Steve Smith’s Vice-Captaincy Appointment