Pat Cummins Is The Frontrunner For Australia Captaincy - Adam Gilchrist

Former wicket-keeper batsman Adam Gilchrist believes that Australian fast bowler, Pat Cummins, is the frontrunner to become the next Test captain of the Baggy Greens.

Given the fact that Cummins is the vice-captain, it won’t make any sense to skip over him and assign the captaincy to someone else. And also, considering the respect that Cummins enjoys from his teammates, it is quite a no-brainer to promote him as the skipper.

“I think Pat Cummins is the frontrunner there. I’ve got no problems with him having 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.”

“I see no reason to pigeonhole Pat as a fast bowler who can’t do it. I think he’s had a huge amount of respect from everyone, really — particularly from his teammates, so I think that’s the way they will lean,” Gilchrist said in a conversation with Reuters.

“Steve Smith could take captaincy again, but Pat Cummins will be the guy they lean-to” – Adam Gilchrist

Top-order batsman Steve Smith could also be on the minds of the decision-makers regarding captaincy. Smith was banned for a year following the Sandpaper gate in 2018 but might be considered for the role again. However, as per Gilchrist, a specialist fast bowler like Cummins, who is quite important to Australia’s plans, can be a better option.

“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,” Gilchrist added.

The debate has popped up following Tim Paine’s hasty resignation from the captain’s post following his ‘sexting’ scandal.

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