Pat Cummins announces leaving Australia's Test captaincy..

Australian skipper Pat Cummins recently revealed a conversation with veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon about giving up the captaincy of the Test side. Pat Cummins expressed his desire for Nathan Lyon to continue representing the Australian Test team until 2027.

Nathan Lyon ran through New Zealand’s batting lineup during the final innings of the fourth Test at the Basin Reserve in Wellington on Sunday, March 3. The spinner took six wickets for 65 runs as the home team was bowled out for 196 runs while chasing the target.

Lyon picked up four wickets in New Zealand’s first innings. The 36-year-old completed a memorable 10-wicket haul on pace-friendly New Zealand conditions. He became the first spinner to secure 10 or more wickets in a Test match in New Zealand since 2006.

It’s The Captain’s Dream – Pat Cummins

Speaking after the match, Pat Cummins praised Nathan Lyon for his impressive bowling display, stating that it makes his role as captain much easier. Cummins emphasized Lyon’s ability to execute strategies effectively with impeccable consistency.

“It’s the captain’s dream. There’s a real sense of calm out there when you know you’ve got someone that good on a wicket that’s giving him a little bit of help. It’s fun really. You can get creative with some of the field placements, knowing he’s going to land it exactly where you want it to. I thought he was brilliant over the last couple of days, bouncing through a few different plans, but it just always felt like he was in control,” Cummins said.

Australia maintained their dominance over New Zealand in red-ball cricket, securing a commendable 172-run victory in the first Test. This victory marked their 17th win out of the 20 Tests played between the two teams in the last two decades, with only one loss.

I Already Told Him Today – Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins expressed his desire for Nathan Lyon to continue playing for Australia until 2027. Cummins emphasized Lyon’s significance to the team, indicating his willingness to step down from the captaincy when Lyon decides to retire.

“It’s huge, I’d love for him to keep going until 2027. The only barrier is his body. If he looks after his body and makes sure he’s right for ten Test matches a year, I would absolutely love for him to keep playing until 2027, and I don’t think there’s much getting in his way. I already told him today, the day he retires, I’m definitely giving up the captaincy, because it makes my life a hell of a lot easier,” Cummins added.

All-rounder Cameron Green was named the man of the match for his outstanding batting performance in the first innings. Green scored an unbeaten 174 off 275 balls, comprising 23 boundaries and five sixes, to propel the team to a competitive total of 383 runs.

The upcoming second Test match between Australia and New Zealand is set to commence at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Friday, March 8. The Pat Cummins-led team is expected to retain the same lineup for the series decider match.

Also read: Dale Steyn opts for a break as SRH bowling coach; Pat Cummins to replace Aiden Markram as captain – Reports