Who will replace Tim Paine as Australia's test cricket captain?
Just a few weeks after the first ash test and Australia is trying to find a new test captain. Tim Paine announced Friday afternoon that he would be stepping down after he was embroiled in a sexting scandal when indecent messages allegedly sent to a female Cricket Tasmania worker were exposed.
Paine burst into tears when he said he "deeply regretted that incident then and still does today," adding that he was "immensely grateful" for the support of his wife, Bonnie, and his family. “We thought that this incident was over and that, as in the last three or four years, I could concentrate fully on the team. Recently, however, I realized that this private text exchange was going to become public, ”Paine said.
“When I think about it, my 2017 actions were not up to the standards of an Australian cricket captain or the wider community. I am deeply sorry for the pain and pain I have inflicted on my wife, family and the other party. “I am sorry that this is damaging the reputation of our sport. And I think it is the right decision to step down as captain with immediate effect. I don't want this to become an undesirable disruption for the team ahead of a huge Ashes series. "
The first Test of the summer against England is slated to begin in Brisbane on December 8th - but who will go to the coin toss at the Gabba? Well there are a couple of options.
Australia's new test captain: Pat Cummins named new captain
After Paine's resignation, a new captain has not yet been announced. With all the reports, however, it is clear that Pat Cummins will be the new Australian captain. He is currently the team's vice-captain and he will follow in the footsteps. Cummins will be Australia's 47th test captain, while he will be the first pace driver to lead Australia in 65 years.
In an interview with Channel 9, Pat Cummins revealed his desire to lead Australia and confirmed that he is fully fit for the ashes. "There are no problems, I feel really fresh and I always love going on a series to give myself the best chance to show up and when I have to throw 50 overs in a test I can," said Cummins.
Pat Cummins was great for Australia while also being the No. 1 ICC test bowler. Cummins scalped 164 test wickets averaging 21.60 in just 34 games. It will be interesting to see a pacemaker lead the Australian team in Ashes 2021.