Former Australia wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist believes that Pat Cummins should replace Tim Paine as captain after Paine retires. Australia’s Test captaincy has always been a regular topic of discussion.
With Tim Paine unlikely to play international cricket for another year, Australia have already begun talking about who should replace him in future. The two prime contenders are Pat Cummins and Steve Smith. However, not many have supported Smith’s return as captain due to his controversial record.
Nevertheless, Adam Gilchrist has firmly supported Pat Cummins to take over as he commands respect and admiration from the team. Gilchrist thinks Cummins is a no-brainer choice as he looks ready to lead the next generation when Paine exits. Gilchrist told the media house,”Pat Cummins is literally the type of leader that Australian cricket admires and the players acknowledge and respect. I think he is the leader by way of being at the top of the pack to assume that position. Be it the first Test at the Gabba, the first Test of the next summer or whenever the next Test cricket is after this summer, whenever Tim Paine does finish up.”
The three-time world cup winner further added :
It is inevitably getting closer, the changing of the guard at the top, and I think Pat is the gentleman that’s positioned highest in readiness to take over.
Cummins, who became the vice-captain of the ODI side in 2019 and the Test team in 2020, could have his first chance at the Test captaincy at this year’s all-important Ashes. Though Tim Paine remains assured of recovering from his neck injury for the first Test, there is still a thin possibility that he might miss out.
Gilchrist, who served as Australia’s vice-captain in his playing days, feels no player should be forcefully handed over the captaincy. Gilchrist said Cummins is an exception as he is a balanced cricketer. The 49-year old explained,”For a certain individual, I don’t think anyone should be pigeonholed. For me, personally, I don’t think I would have made a great fist of being full-time captain. I personally felt it would have been challenging to focus on everything you’ve got and captain the team regularly.”
Gilchrist concluded by adding, “But Tim Paine’s done a terrific job at it, MS Dhoni was outstanding, so too was Andy Flower in Zimbabwe. There’s a few instances when you’re an exception, and Pat Cummins should be considered that. He is balanced enough, professional enough and skillful enough. I don’t think Pat should be pigeonholed just because he’s a fast bowler
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