Australia men's cricket team
Cummins himself is not interested but it would be a surprise not to see him leading the ODIs, the Australian legend.
Pat Cummins made it clear a few days ago that he is not thinking about ODI leadership. But Ricky Ponting is thinking about him. The Australian legend, the most successful captain in ODI history, believes that the burden of Australia's ODI team will be placed on the shoulders of the Test captain.
Aaron Finch recently retired from ODI cricket after the series against Zimbabwe. After his departure, Australia is looking for a new captain. The name of Test captain Pat Cummins comes naturally here. However, being a fast bowler, he is often rested from limited overs cricket to reduce workload. Cummins himself said a week ago that he needs rest as a fast bowler, so he cannot even think about increasing the scope of responsibility.
But Ricky Ponting doesn't see much of an alternative for now. The two World Cup-winning Australian captain gave his thoughts on the ICC Review. “I think Pat Cummins will get the job. I know, he doesn't play in all ODIs for good reasons. Like all other fast bowlers, his workload in Test cricket has been heavy over the last few years. I also know their caution about getting Cummins, (Josh) Hazlewood and (Mitchell) Starc 100% fit for the upcoming Test series. Still, I'd be surprised if Cummins doesn't get the job."
Cummins is yet to lead Australia in limited overs cricket. Steven Smith and David Warner have this experience in the current team. Smith, however, has already stated that he is not very interested. Warner has again made his interest public. A major setback for Warner is his lifetime ban from leadership following the ball-tampering controversy. In Smith's case, the ban was for two years. After the ban, he was made vice-captain of the Test team. India national cricket team
According to Ponting, Warner should also be released from the leadership ban. “Just in the context of what happened with Steve Smith...he was the captain and the center of controversy during that controversy in Cape Town...he is now the vice-captain of the Test team. That means if Cummins is not in any Test, Steve Smith will lead the way. If that is the case and if everything is about equality and fairness, I think David Warner's name should be there (in the leadership discussion).
I am not saying that Warner should be the captain. But his name should also be in the discussion." Ricky Ponting was surprised by Finch's retirement given the state of his batting form. Instead, he praised the successor for moving in time.
To be honest, I wasn't surprised. I personally felt that he was already just one match or another failure away from elimination. His batting form in the last 12 months in ODIs has been so poor.
I think it was the right time. One thing he (Finch) has said very well is that he wants to give the next captain enough time to prepare the team for the World Cup. It should.”
When I got the leadership, I was also given this time. Later when I stepped down and Michael Clarke took over, I knew what lay ahead. I wanted to give the captain enough time before the next big tournament.
Australia have no more ODIs before the T20 World Cup ends. Australian selectors are getting some time to select a new captain.
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