Cummins right guy to lead Australia in all three formats: Clarke

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes Pat Cummins is the best man to lead Australia in all three formats. Currently, Australia are being led by Tim Paine in Tests, while Aaron Finch is at the helm in limited-overs. Under Paine, Australia lost two continuous home Test series against India and there have been calls to relieve him of his duties. 

"Just because Cummins isn't out there saying I should be the next captain and I'm ready... it doesn't mean he's not a good leader. I've made it clear what I think about Pat Cummins. I think he's shown he's fit and strong enough to play all three formats now, he's done that for the last few years. His captaincy I've watched tactically for New South Wales he's been pretty good," Clarke told Big Sports Breakfast, as reported by Fox Sports. 

"Yes he's young and inexperienced as a leader but he'll have good senior players around him so to me I do believe Pat Cummins is the right guy to take over the leadership in all three formats at the right time. Of course, he will need a good vice-captain. An example of that - if Tim Paine retires then someone like Alex Carey comes in, who has captained South Australia, captained the BBL, been vice-captain of Australia. I think he would make a very good vice-captain. You've got the likes of Steve Smith, David Warner, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Marnus Labuschagne. All these guys have got leadership experience as well. They can help Pat Cummins," Clarke, who has led Australia in 139 matches, added.

Recently, former skipper Steven Smith too expired his desire to lead Australia. He was axed as captain following his involvement in the sandpaper episode in 2018 that saw him, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft receive bans.