Pat Cummins has the potential to lead Australia, reckons Michael Clarke

Former Australia skipper and one of the most successful batsmen of his time, Michael Clarke was in full praise of the young sensation Pat Cummins. As per Clarke’s view about the speedster, he could possibly be the Australian skipper-in-waiting. Having got the opportunity to know him from close quarters, Clarke seemed mighty impressed with his skills way back in 2011.

Cummins’ career has been on a topsy-turvy ride before he made a comeback into the test arena in Australia’s previous tour to India in February, where he featured as a replacement to Mitchell Starc and ever since hasn’t looked back. Making the debut under Clarke’s captaincy in 2011 in Johannesburg, the paceman had a long wait of about five-and-a-half years courtesy some regular injuries that haunted his way back to the national side.

Can go and captain Australia one day: Clarke

Cummins has been splendid with his execution with the ball, the lanky pacer has all the weapons in the armory, bowls a stock delivery, can swing the ball both ways at a decent pace and uses the bouncer to a great extent. Captaining him on his Test debut, Clarke reckons his recent success was something he could foresee in his Test debut. His exploits both with the bat and ball have brought a whole lot of difference to Australia’s scheme of things, and especially his lower order contribution with the bat will be a huge helping hand in his case for being called as the all-rounder.

Throwing more light on his first burst to the scene, “His debut was fantastic,” Clarke told News Ltd in regards to that 2011 match, where he was adjudged the player of the match for his seven wickets and rightly so even hit the winning runs. “Everything we are seeing now in regards to his talent with the bat, ball and in the field we saw on debut. The World Cup-winning captain even gave an insight about what are the future prospects in the reckoning for the fiery fast bowler with the national side and did make a huge comment with regards to his leadership skills.”

“He is such a talent and someone I believe can go on and captain Australia one day. This was indeed a huge compliment coming in from someone who has seen him grow over these recent years,” Clarke concluded.

Cummins has attained much appreciation on his fitness skills given the long grueling injuries that he faced in the initial part of his career. His ability to bowl long yet untiring spells is a treat for any captain, “He’s a great athlete and someone I always wanted in the XI in all formats when he was fit,” Clarke added.