Brisbane: Newly appointed Australian Test skipper Pat Cummins on Tuesday said that it is a ‘crazy feeling’ to be leading the side in the upcoming Ashes. Cummins was named Australia’s skipper after Tim Paine stepped down from the post following a sexting scandal. Steve Smith will don the hat of vice-captain.
“Similar to when I debuted and received my Baggy Green, you’re part of that history And I remember thinking that was a really cool moment that tied together Donald Bradman, and Richie Benaud, and all the greats of the game,” Cummins was quoted as saying to cricket.com.au.
“On a different level, it’s almost crazy being the 47th men’s Test captain, the lineage of Painey Tim Paine, Steve Smith, Ricky Ponting, Michael Clarke, Steve Waugh-they’re legends of the game, whom I grew up watching.”
Cummins went on to talk about the impact former Australian captains like Ricky Ponting
and Steve Waugh have had on him. Cummins’ first assignment as the new skipper against their fiercest rivals and there are a lot of expectations weighing on him.
“You can pick out different parts of each captain. Steve Waugh was with us in the Ashes last time (in 2019), and he was great, how simple he kept things. There’s so much noise and things going on, and data and things to get caught up with, especially us cricket lovers the way he just distilled it down and kept it really simple was great,” he added.
Talking about past captains Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke, Cummins said. “Michael Clarke made me feel 10 feet tall when I walked out to bowl, even if I didn’t feel like I was super confident. Ricky Ponting, just a great people person Steve Smith just led from the front Panes great people person so great examples to take from all of them.”
“We’ll be concentrating on what we do really well We won’t be getting caught up in too many grand plans or changing too much of what we do for certain players. We’ve got a few ideas but don’t think you’ll see too different to what we normally do,” he added.
Cummins also revealed that he remains in touch with former skipper Tim Paine, and continues to share his ideas with him as there is a lot to learn from him.
“It’s been good to chat. He still obviously wishes he was up here and part of it all but he needs to be home. He’s going alright. Had some good chats. I’ll probably give him another call this arvo and keep leaning on him for different ideas and on how to work with our players. He’s got great experience, great guy, keep learning off him,” Cummins stated.
England and Australia will lock horns in five-match Ashes, beginning December 8 at the Gabba, Brisbane.
