Australia announce new Test vice-captains: The Australian selectors have named two new co vice-captains for the Sri Lanka series.
Advertisement
Continuing on their streak of making major changes to their team, the National Selectors of the Australian cricket team have named a couple of co vice-captains for the imminent Test series against Sri Lanka. It is worth mentioning that it is the second time in as many months when the selectors have decided to name two different sets of vo vice-captains.
All-rounder Mitchell Marsh and fast bowler Josh Hazlewood were given the responsibility during the Test series against India. Marsh’s poor form and Hazlewood’s back injury will not allow the duo to feature in the two-match Test series.
While due replacements were named for both Marsh and Hazlewood, there was no update on who will stand deputy to Australia captain Tim Paine in the first Test to be played from tomorrow at Brisbane.
In a fresh development, middle-order batsman Travis Head and fast bowler Pat Cummins have been named as co vice-captains. While Head has played only six Test matches after making his debut in UAE last year, Cummins has played 18 Tests but has emerged as a crucial member of the Test team in all the departments.
“The Board of Cricket Australia has endorsed the National Selection Panel’s recommendation for Travis Head and Patrick Cummins to be appointed co-vice captains for the two Test matches against Sri Lanka.
“I’d like to congratulate Travis [Head] and Patrick [Cummins] on being named co-vice captains for the series, it is a fitting reward for their professionalism and dedication to drive the elite standards of the Australian men’s Test team,” National selector Trevor Hohns was quoted as saying.
Being asked about Head, Horns cited his experience and success as a leader with South Australia and Adelaide Strikers as a reason behind handing him the job. “Travis is an experienced state captain who has had a reasonable amount of success with South Australia and the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL.
“Travis was also Captain of the Australia A one-day team on their tour of India [last August-September]. Travis was an impressive candidate when interviewed during the leadership identification process we conducted last year. He has also continued to develop his leadership qualities since joining the Australian men’s Test team,” Horns added.
Labeling Cummins as a ‘well-respected’ and ‘popular member’ of the Australian team, Horns said that Cummins will represent the bowling group.
“Pat is a fine young man who displays strong leadership though his actions on and off the cricket field. He is also a well-respected and popular member of the dressing room, who consistently lives and demonstrates the team’s values and standards.
“We also believe in having strong and even representation of both the batting and bowling groups, and Pat will provide important insights and knowledge when making decisions in the best interest of the team,” he concluded.
