'I am not too fussed about it' - Pat Cummins on prospects of becoming Australia's captain

Cricket is a contest between the bat and the ball. But one would wish if the game that sounds as simple was truly as simple. The sport needs bowlers as much as it needs batters and neither’s role can be cast down. It won’t be wrong, then, to expect bowlers to be leaders in the game and captain the sides. However, the reality remains that batters do not dominate only the game in the modern-day, but also the role of captains.

One team that has had constant chatter going around the leadership role in the last few years is Australia, thanks to a piece of sandpaper that changed the entire landscape of their cricket. While Tim Paine has held that role ever since Newlands ball-tampering fiasco, he has not been considered to be a long-term option by many. The debate of who should lead the team has been a long-standing one, with some suggesting the reinstatement of Steve Smith, a few backing the incumbent skipper, while another set suggesting a new face, Pat Cummins.

Australia has not had a bowler as captain in Test cricket since Riche Benaud in the 1960s. Since him, the team has seen 18 captains, all either batters or all-rounders, but none a designated bowler. A host of cricketers, however, root for Cummins to take that charge. Opening up on the same recently on the Anubhav Jain show, the 28-year-old revealed his stand.

I’m happy as long as I am in team: Pat Cummins

“Honestly, I am not too fussed about it. I am a bowler; I love bowling and I love playing. As long as I am in the team, I am stoked and [look for] where I can help out [the team]. Tim Paine has been doing a great job in the Test side and Finchy [Aaron Finch] with the One Day Internationals and T20Is. I try and help them out in the best way possible,” said Cummins on being asked to share his views on the captaincy debate.

In terms of the future, I don’t have too much experience, so it is nice that I have been mentioned [for the role of captaincy]. If it happens, it will be great and I will try my best. If it does not, [that’s] also great. As long as I am playing for Australia, I don’t give a huge amount of time to think this,” he added.