Pat Cummins named Australia's Test cricket team captain

New Delhi : A week after Tim Paine resigned as the Test skipper, Pat Cummins has been confirmed as his replacement.

Cummins has earlier served as the vice-captain of Australia.

He is the first specialist fast bowler to captain Australia’s men’s Test side since Ray Lindwall served the role in one match in 1956. Medium-pace all-rounders Monty Noble and Jack Ryder captained the side in the early 1900s.

"I am honoured to accept this role ahead of what will be a massive Ashes summer.  I hope I can provide the same leadership Tim (Paine) has given the group in the past few years," Cummins, the No.1 bowler in the world on the MRF Tyres ICC Test bowling rankings, said.

"With Steve and I as captains, a number of very senior players in this squad and some great young talent coming through we are a strong and tightly-knit group.

"This is an unexpected privilege which I am very grateful for and am very much looking forward to."

In the absence of Pat Cummins, Smith has been asked to take control of the team.

Smith said: "I am pleased to return to the leadership of the team and look forward to helping and assisting Pat in any way I can. Pat and I have played together for a long time, so we know our respective styles well.

"We are also great friends, as is the whole group.  As a team, we want to play good, positive cricket and also really enjoy each other’s company. They are exciting times ahead as we focus on the Ashes and beyond."

Pat Cummins will lead Australia as the Test skipper on the game starting from December 8.

(Information Source: ICC)