Wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Paine resigned as Australia’s Test captain last month following the ‘sexting’ row and Cummins was named skipper
Jason Gillespie
Former Australia pacer Jason Gillespie is backing Australia to retain the Ashes urn with a 3-0 win in the five-match series under new skipper Pat Cummins. The first Test begins next week (December 8) at Brisbane.
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Wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Paine resigned as Australia’s Test captain last month following the ‘sexting’ row and Cummins was named skipper.
“I believe Australia at home will start as favourites against England. Australia will win three Test matches, England may win one, but I’ll go with 3-0 in Australia’s favour. Australia are going to be too strong in all facets of the game,” Gillespie said during a virtual press conference facilitated by series broadcaster Sony Pictures Network on Friday.
So, will Cummins, who has claimed 164 wickets in 34 Tests, feel the pressure of leading Australia in his maiden Test series as captain? “I don’t see it as pressure. In fact, I see it as a great opportunity for him. Being a fast bowler, he is going to bring in a collaborative style of leadership with Steven Smith as his deputy and a lot of senior players around,” added the former speedster, who claimed 259 wickets in 71 Tests. Gillespie lauded Cummins—the first fast bowler to lead an Australian Test side after Ray Lindwall in 1956-57—for taking up the responsibility.
“I’m looking forward to seeing how Cummins will play out his dual responsibility. It’s great to see a pacer leading the Australian side. As a fast bowler, I would have put my hand up but I don’t think I could have handled it. Not all fast bowlers can. But, Cummins, I feel, is the type of character who can do this. I feel he will do a really good job,” concluded Gillespie.
Watch the Ashes live on Sony Six from Dec 8 to Jan 18
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