Australia newly appointed Test skipper Pat Cummins revealed that he wanted batter, Steve Smith, to be named as the vice-captain of the side. Fast bowler Cummins was on Friday named Australian men’s Test cricket team captain following the announcement of Tim Paine taking an indefinite break from all cricket. Alongside Cummins, batter and former skipper, Steve Smith was named vice-captain of the team. Cummins said Smith is central to how he wants Australia to function under their leadership going forward.

“I think there’s a couple of more unknowns about having a bowling captain and that’s why from the outset I was absolutely determined if I was captain to have someone like Steve as vice-captain next to me,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Cummins as saying.

“Obviously, it’s not our decision who is captain and vice-captain. I made it pretty clear that if I was given the captaincy that this is how I saw the team running and I tried to bring Steve along for that as well. He’s so central to how I see my captaincy style but [also] how I see the team functioning,” he added.

Cummins joined an elite club with the honour of leading Australia, stepping into the role after almost two years as vice-captain.

“I’m naturally quite a calm person. I’m quite positive. I’ll be leaning on everyone. I’m a big one for empowering individuals to own their role (in the team),” he said.

Smith, the Australia batting mainstay said he was honoured to be named Cummins’ Test deputy. “I’ve been in a position for the last few years playing as a leader. Now to have the opportunity to be standing here next to Patrick with a formal title, I feel very honoured,” said Smith.

Speaking about his leadership style, Cummins said, “I’m naturally quite a calm person. I’m quite positive. I’ll be leaning on everyone. I’m a big one for empowering individuals to own their role.”

Promoted

“I very much doubt that I will rest from Test cricket. I have never rested from a game of Test cricket before, so I doubt that will start now,” he added.

Smith, who made his Test debut in 2010, has been an integral part of the senior playing group in with his growth as a leader and person on and off the field.