Clarke picks unlikely candidate for Australia captaincy over Smith

Michael Clarke has backed Pat Cummins to become Australia’s next captain across all three formats as he doesn’t think Steve Smith is the right man for the job.
Smith was sacked as Australia skipper and banned for 12 months for his part in the ball-tampering scandal in 2018.
And the 30-year-old has been tipped to become Australia captain for the second time in his career but legendary batsman Clarke believes Australia should opt for Cummins instead.
“In sport in this country we have a sense of the best player needs to be the captain,’ former Australia captain Clarke said on Big Sports Breakfast.
“I don’t agree with that. I think the best captain needs to be the captain. Steve Smith is Australia’s best batsman but I don’t necessarily think he is the right man to captain Australia.
READ MORE: Kohli reacts angrily to conduct queries as India smashed in New Zealand
“I know there has always been a lot of talk about a bowler being captain and generally that is because the bowlers get injured.
“Pat Cummins has shown that he is fit, he is healthy, he can play all three formats. His body has now matured into a position where he will be on the field as much as any batsman.
“In my opinion, Pat Cummins takes over the captaincy across all three formats.” @MClarke23 backs Aussie quick @patcummins30 to be the next Australian Cricket Captain over Steve Smith. Do you agree? #bigsportsbrekky pic.twitter.com/89agoULOwq
— Big Sports Breakfast (@BigSportsBrekky) March 1, 2020
“He reads the game really well. Yes, he is an opening bowler but he can bat. He is brilliant in the field. He sees the game how a captain needs to see the game.
“I think there is probably a great opportunity if Steve is offered that chance to actually decline it because of those reasons. He is our best player but he can be a captain without that ‘c’ beside his name.”
Clarke also suggested that Paine should relinquish the captaincy following Australia’s series against India at the end of the year, a series BetMGM were predicting to be closely fought, but were wrong on this occasion.
“Tim Paine has done a wonderful job. There is no doubt about it. He has earnt the right to continue to captain Australia until it is time for him to retire,” Clarke added.
“If Australia can win that [Border-Gavaskar series] that is an ideal time for Tim to walk away on top and for all of us that love the game to respect what he has been able to achieve as a captain.”
Latest
-
News
England players clash online over Alex Hartley’s social media comments
Hartley advertised England Women’s one-day international with New Zealand by referencing the men’s third Test defeat inside two days to India.
-
News
Nat Sciver excels as England wrap up series win in New Zealand
Sciver claimed three for 26 and hit 63.
-
News
Joe Root invites ICC to make own judgement on Ahmedabad pitch
England were beaten by 10 wickets to go 2-1 down in the series.
-
News
It was nice to bat on – Rohit Sharma defends pitch after India seal two-day win
The hosts thrashed England by 10 wickets in Ahmedabad.
-
News
Charlotte Edwards elected as first female president of the PCA
The former England captain takes over from Graham Gooch at the Professional Cricketers’ Association.
-
News
Joe Root refuses to blame pitch for England’s quickfire defeat in Ahmedabad
It was the shortest match since 1935 in terms of balls bowled.
-
News
7 Tests with the most premature endings since 2000
A turning wicket caused chaos for batsmen on both sides as England’s first-innings collapse for 112 set the tone.
-
News
Pundits criticise pitch and England selection policy after heavy defeat to India
There were 17 wickets inside two sessions on the second day of the Test as Joe Root’s side suffered defeat.
-
News
India v England, Day 2: The hosts put Joe Root’s side in a spin
England slipped 2-1 down in the series.
-
News
England slump to two-day Test defeat against India in Ahmedabad
Spinner Axar Patel took five for 32 to finish with a match haul of 11 wickets.