Australia pace all-rounder Pat Cummins has been confirmed as the new Test skipper, a week after Tim Paine stepped down from captaincy following the sexting scandal.
Former captain and star batsman Steve Smith was named as the deputy of Cummins in the Test team.
The 28-year-old Cummins is the first specialist fast bowler to lead Australia’s men’s Test side since Ray Lindwall, who served the role in one match in 1956.
“I am honoured to accept this role ahead of what will be a massive Ashes summer. I hope I can provide the same leadership Tim (Paine) has given the group in the past few years,” Cummins, the No.1 bowler in the world on the ICC Test bowling rankings, was quoted as saying by icc-media.com.
“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.”
“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. They are exciting times ahead as we focus on the Ashes and beyond,” added Smith.
Cummins’ first assignment as Test captain will be the Ashes, starting December 8.
