Australia newly appointed Test skipper Pat Cummins revealed that he wanted batter, Steve Smith, to be named as the vice-captain of the side. Fast bowler Cummins was on Friday named Australian men’s Test cricket team captain following the announcement of Tim Paine taking an indefinite break from all cricket. Alongside Cummins, batter and former skipper, Steve Smith was named vice-captain of the team. Cummins said Smith is central to how he wants Australia to function under their leadership going forward.
“I think there’s a couple of more unknowns about having a bowling captain and that’s why from the outset I was absolutely determined if I was captain to have someone like Steve as vice-captain next to me,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Cummins as saying.
“Obviously, it’s not our decision who is captain and vice-captain. I made it pretty clear that if I was given the captaincy that this is how I saw the team running and I tried to bring Steve along for that as well. He’s so central to how I see my captaincy style but [also] how I see the team functioning,” he added.
“I’m naturally quite a calm person. I’m quite positive. I’ll be leaning on everyone. I’m a big one for empowering individuals to own their role (in the team),” he said.
Smith, the Australia batting mainstay said he was honoured to be named Cummins’ Test deputy. “I’ve been in a position for the last few years playing as a leader. Now to have the opportunity to be standing here next to Patrick with a formal title, I feel very honoured,” said Smith.
Speaking about his leadership style, Cummins said, “I’m naturally quite a calm person. I’m quite positive. I’ll be leaning on everyone. I’m a big one for empowering individuals to own their role.”
