Pat Cummins is an inspirational leader, Joe Root a poor captain: Ian Chappell

England are Australia are battling it out in the high-voltage Ashes Test series down under and fans from different quarters are following the proceedings. After all, the two team shares a great history over the 22 yards and the prestigious Ashes urn is at stakes. Meanwhile, eyes are on captains of both teams, who are cornerstones of their respective line-ups.

However, there’s a vast difference in their experience. While Joe Root is England’s most successful Test captain, the Ashes marked Pat Cummins’ first leadership assignment in national colours. Despite the fact, Ian Chappell reckons Cummins is better than his England counterpart in terms of leadership skills. Comparing captaincy styles of the two, the former Australian skipper stated Cummins is an inspirational leader while Root lacks imagination.

Pat Cummins will learn from his mistakes: Ian Chappell

“Cummins acquired the appropriate nickname Postman Pat before he was appointed captain. He is accorded this handle because he regularly delivers, often providing Australia with a wicket when it’s needed. There is a lot to like about Cummins’ appointment, and he certainly delivered in his first captaincy Test with a five-wicket innings haul at the Gabba,” Chappell wrote in his column for ESPNcricinfo.

Acknowledging Cummins might commit mistakes in his early days as Australian captain, Chappell backed the right-arm pacer to improve with time. “Cummins will improve as a captain because that is what good leaders do: they learn from their mistakes and try to avoid making them in the future,” stated Cummins.

“The one question Cummins can’t answer is how many Tests he’ll miss through injury or Covid regulations. His second-Test hiccup is one he will prefer to have avoided, but having to miss games is something you have to deal with,” he added.

Opining on Joe Root, the 78-year-old minced no words and called him a ‘poor captain.’ “Root is an excellent batter but a poor captain. It would not be unfair to describe him as an ordinary and unlucky captain. Rarely do you find a long-term captain who is lacking in imagination but is also lucky. A fortunate captain is usually lucky because the players believe he is some kind of miracle-worker and things tend to work out because of the team’s belief,” he opined.

Meanwhile, Australia are 1-0 up, having won the opening Test by nine wickets in Brisbane. The second Test, which is a Pink-Ball game, is underway in Adelaide as Australia look all set to walk away with another victory. Notably, Cummins was ruled out of this clash as he was found in close contact with a person, who was tested positive for COVID-19 virus. Steve Smith took over as captain in his absence.