Tim Paine had been confirmed as captain of Australia’s 15-team last week before resigning from the leadership position on November 19, admitting “a private text message exchange” with a former colleague at Cricket Tasmania; Cummins named captain after two years as vice-captain
Australia’s Pat Cummins promoted to captain after two-year career as vice captain
Pat Cummins has been confirmed as the man to lead Australia in the Ashes just hours after former test captain Tim Paine announced that he was absent from all forms of cricket following a sexting scandal.
Paine had been confirmed as captain of Australia’s 15-team last week before stepping down from the leadership position on November 19, admitting “a private text message exchange” with a former colleague at Cricket Tasmania.
Cricket Australia (CA) announced on Friday that Cummins, 28, would be promoted after a two-year career as vice captain, with 32-year-old former captain and hitter Steve Smith as his assistant.
CA CEO Nick Hockley said in a statement that Cummins was an “outstanding player and leader.”
“He has earned tremendous respect from his teammates and from all corners of the game for his attitude and accomplishments, both on and off the field,” added Hockley.
“We are extremely fortunate to have an experienced group of senior players who are excellent leaders. I have no doubt that Pat and Steve will be supported in their respective leadership roles.”
Cummins said: “I am honored to accept this role ahead of what will be a massive Ashes summer. I look forward to providing the same leadership that Tim (Paine) has given to the group in recent years.
“With Steve and I as captains, a number of high-level players on this team, and some great young talents, we are a strong and close-knit group.
“This is an unexpected privilege for which I am very grateful and looking forward to it.”
Smith was re-eligible for a leadership position or re-captain for Australia in March 2020 following the conclusion of a two-year ban triggered by the ball-handling scandal in South Africa.
A week after stepping down as test captain, Paine announced via a statement from his state association on Friday that he would be taking “a leave of absence from all forms of cricket for the foreseeable future.”
In response, Hockley said CA recognized it was an “incredibly difficult time for Tim and his family and they are committed to supporting them.”
England will face Australia in the first round in Gabba from 8 December and the fifth and final round is scheduled for the Optus Stadium in Perth from 14 January.
