Ricky Ponting Says: Pat Cummins is ready to become a test captain in Australia
Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has "no doubt" about the ability of new test captain Pat Cummins to lead the team as he believes the fast bowler is a fit for the leadership role. Cummins was named Australian men's test cricket team captain on Friday after it was revealed that Tim Paine is taking an indefinite break from all cricket. In addition to Cummins, batter and former skipper, Steve Smith was named vice-captain of the team.
Ponting said Smith, as vice-captain, would be an "invaluable help" to Cummins as he fought the field in the upcoming Ashes.
“He has come a long way since I presented him his baggy green in South Africa! I have no doubt that @ patcummins30 is ready to become a test captain and suitable for the job. Having Smith by your side as vice captain will be invaluable, ”Ponting tweeted.
Even Cummins said Friday that Smith was central to how Australia should function in the future under her leadership. Smith, who made his Test debut in 2010, has been an integral part of the senior playgroup as he grew as a leader and person on and off the field.
Ricky Ponting said, “I think there were times last summer when you just had to keep bowling Pat. There were long times in Sydney and Brisbane when he was most likely to get wickets. The only worry I have is if it's the same again, where Pat is the preeminent fast bowler, will he keep bowling himself? Because the team will need it, or will he worry what people will think if he just keeps going? all the time about yourself? The role of the vice-captain is really important in the whole thing. Because it might be going the other way, that he's not bowling enough because he's getting physically tired. But sometimes you need someone to spur you on or to direct you, and that's where I think the vice-captain will be important. "
He went on to say, "I don't think Pat is thinking about what happened in the past, I don't think he'll be looking at other fast bowlers to have it done. He'll do it his own way, and that's the way you have to do it anyway. As a leader, you have to put your own stamp on him. He has a very good understanding of what the team needs and what the team wants and what individual players expect from their captain. "
Regarding Pat Cummins' testing career, the pacemaker has grown to become the leader of the Australian pace battery over the years by showing his courage in all formats. The pacemaker has played in 34 test matches for Australia, where he picked up 164 wickets. His bowling average is 21.59. The Australian speedster has picked up five wickets in one innings on five occasions in the Test Match Cricket.