Not realistic to lead in all three formats: Australia Test skipper Pat Cummins

Sep 14, 2022

Not realistic to lead in all three formats: Australia Test skipper Pat Cummins Image

Given his workload as a fast bowler and the intense competition in the game, Australia Test captain Pat Cummins thinks it is unrealistic for him to captain in all three forms. 

After white-ball captain Aaron Finch withdrew from one-day international cricket due to a protracted form dip in the 50-over game and injury concerns, the captaincy discussion has gained steam. However, Finch will continue to captain the T20I team as Australia looks to defend its title in the ICC T20 World Cup in October-November of this year.

David Warner, previous all-formats leader Steve Smith, and Test captain Pat Cummins are among the candidates vying for the vacant ODI captaincy position. 

Given the type of bowling workload Cummins will have to carry if he is made the all-format skipper and has missed 28 of the last 66 ODIs, he may miss some games or series. 

The West Australian cited Cummins as saying, "I don't think that's conceivable if you were going to do all the formats and every game." "I think you do need to find windows to rest, especially as a quick bowler, but I think you can do that as well.

I am extremely delighted to be captaining the Test team, so I haven't given it much thought. "I don't think they (Cricket Australia) need to rush into any decision," said Cummins, who led his team to victories in the 4-0 Ashes and a 1-0 Test series victory over Babar Azam's Pakistan in the subcontinent. 

As a result of Warner's involvement in the ball-tampering incident during the 2018 Test series in South Africa, Cummins recently petitioned Cricket Australia (CA) to ease the leadership role suspension imposed on him. 

CA has two months to determine who will succeed Finch as their ODI captain, and Warner has also entered the running. 
chance," Warner added.

Given that Cummins is the Test captain and gets the first shot, "Pat Cummins is obviously the key" in determining if Warner wants to command the ODI team. 

I can only focus on what I have to do, which is using the bat and scoring as many runs as I can. My phone is here (if CA want to talk). At the end of the day, what has been done is in the past. But any opportunity you get asked to captain, it's a privilege. For my circumstances, that's in Cricket Australia's hands. 

"There is a new board, which is good. I'm always willing to have a conversation and listen to whatever they have to say, according to Warner.