‘Something I’d be open to’ - Pat Cummins on sharing ODI captaincy with David Warner

Australia’s Test skipper Pat Cummins seems content with the idea of shared captaincy alongside David Warner in ODIs. Aaron Finch’s recent retirement from the 50-over format has left the Men in Gold and Green with the search of a captain in the limited-overs format and all kinds of efforts are being made by Cricket Australia to bring back Warner into the leadership group.  

The 35-year-old was slapped a lifetime captaincy ban in 2018 after his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal, however, Warner might get the nod if the ban is uplifted. Going by the current demands of the game, it will be tough for a multi-format player like Warner or Cummins to lead the side consistently which has triggered the idea of shared captaincy.  

Playing every single game isn’t realistic: Pat Cummins 

Cummins mentioned that he is open to the idea of shared captaincy and felt that the committee will have their work cut-out in terms of man-management across formats. He felt that the style of captaincy would be a factor to consider with the shared leadership idea and heaped praise on Warner. He further added that Warner has been a leader in the group already and will take the role if needed. 

“(It is) something I’d be open to," Cummins said on the eve of Australia’s Twenty20 World Cup warm-up match against India. 

“Playing every single game isn’t realistic. It would be really seamless if you had a committee. The style of just about everyone in the team is really similar. We’ve got some great leaders in the team, we all get along great. There’s a few barriers at the moment, but certainly, if they were removed, there wouldn’t be any qualms from any of the playing or coaching group." 

“He’s a leader around our group. Always has been, and always will be. He’s someone in the Test side I lean on a lot. If things change, I’m sure he would be someone you would strongly consider to step up if needed," he added.