Cricket News

‘These are big shoes to fill’ – Pat Cummins reacts after being named as ODI Captain of Australia

Pat Cummins has been selected to lead Australia as captain in ODIs as he will be taking over the baton from Aaron Finch who retired from the limited overs format in September. Cricket Australia announced on Thursday that he will be the man in charge of the side with the ODI World Cup stated to be held in India which is less than a year away.

This will be the second format that the ace of pace for Australia will captain in following the test captaincy that he took over from Tim Paine in November 2021. Cricket Australia also confirmed that Pat Cummins will lead the side in the 50-over World Cup in 2023.
Aaron Finch still captains the Australian side in T20 cricket but his retirement from ODIs kept the captain’s slot open which has now been occupied.

I have learnt enormously under Aaron Finch’s leadership -Pat Cummins

David Warner was not offered the skippers role as his leadership ban still stands while Cricket Australia is mulling changing its code of conduct. Cummins pipped the likes of Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, and Glenn Maxwell to bag the role. He will be the 27th captain of the Australian Men’s team and the first fast bowler to lead the side since Shane Warne who filled in for 11 ODIs in the late nineties.

This is what Cummins had to say – “I have thoroughly enjoyed playing under Finchy and have learnt an enormous amount from his leadership,” Cummins said of his long-time teammate. “They are significant shoes to fill, although we are extremely fortunate to have a one-day squad with a huge amount of experience.” “We are very fortunate to have a number of high-quality leaders and senior players across all formats,” said Cricket Australia’s national teams’ chief Ben Oliver.

“The board and selectors agree Pat is the ideal choice to lead the ODI team through the next period including the 2023 World Cup.”
Cummins took over the Test job in November after Tim Paine stood down on the eve of the Ashes against England following a sexting scandal and he has been hailed for his calm demeanour as a leader.