Last Updated on 4 years ago by Charbel Coorey

Cricket News: Pat Cummins unveiled as Australia’s 47th Test captain | Pat Cummins named as Australia Test captain

Pat Cummins, the world’s number one ranked Test bowler, has officially been named Australia’s new Test captain. The pace bowler will take over from Tim Paine, who resigned from the role last week, with former captain Steve Smith named as his deputy.

Cummins has been plying his trade as vice captain of the Test side under Paine’s leadership. The decision to make Cummins captain is a historic one, as it is the first time that a pace bowler is named as full-time skipper in Australian men’s Test history. Also, Cummins is the first bowler overall to captain the men’s Test side since the late, great Richie Benaud.

Cummins will lead Australia in the upcoming Ashes as well as the big subcontinent tours next year, including India. While there is a risk associated with naming a lead pace bowler as captain, those within Australian circles know the value of Cummins both as a cricketer and person.

“Honoured to accept this role” – Cummins

Pat Cummins, in a statement, said that he is honoured to be the captain. While it is unexpected, it is a role he is looking forward to ahead of some huge Tests.

“I am honoured to accept this role ahead of what will be a massive Ashes summer,” Cummins said.

“I hope I can provide the same leadership Tim (Paine) has given the group in the past few years.

“With Steve and I as captains, a number of very senior players in this squad and some great young talent coming through we are a strong and tightly knit group.

“This is an unexpected privilege which I am very grateful for and am very much looking forward to.”

“Pleased to return to the leadership” – Steve Smith

After a break of nearly four years since the ball tampering scandal in Cape Town, star batsman Steve Smith is officially back as part of the leadership group. Smith, who will be key to Australia’s Ashes and Asia campaigns, has been named as vice captain.

“I am pleased to return to the leadership of the team and look forward to helping and assisting Pat in any way I can,” Smith said in a statement.

“Pat and I have played together for a long time, so we know our respective styles well. We are also great friends, as is the whole group. As a team, we want to play good, positive cricket and also really enjoy each other’s company.

“There are exciting times ahead as we focus on the Ashes and beyond.”

The first Test against England starts on December 8 at the Gabba.