Pat Cummins appointed ODI captain as Australia move towards collaborative leadership approach

The Test skipper will succeed Aaron Finch, following his retirement from the format, with a core of players including David Warner expected to deputise for him when required

Pat Cummins has been installed as Australia men's one-day international captain while David Warner has taken a step towards returning to the helm.

The Test skipper will take charge of the 50-over side at the 2023 World Cup but is expected to be rotated in the 14 matches between now and the tournament in India, following Aaron Finch's retirement from the format last month.

Instead of a single vice-captain being appointed, Australia are putting faith in a collaborative leadership approach that will see several players deputise in his absence.

"You’d probably need to look at it a little bit differently to perhaps in the past with so much cricket going on if I was offered it," Cummins, who has played 73 ODIs, said before the announcement.

"Just playing every single game isn't realistic. We've got a handful of guys that play all three formats.

^{David Warner has been banned from leadership positions since 2018 (PATRICK HAMILTON/AFP via Getty Images)}

"In a year like this, T20 becomes the focus leading to a World Cup. Next year might be different with the one-day World Cup.

"But with 15 Test matches in the next six months, I don't think you can expect the captain to play every game just because he is the captain."

Warner, banned from holding leadership positions for his involvement in the Cape Town ball-tampering affair in 2018, is among those under consideration to stand in for Cummins, pending a review of Cricket Australia's code of conduct by the board.

Alex Carey, who led Australia in the West Indies last year, and ex-all-format captain Steve Smith are also candidates.

"What I do hope is that it happens in a really timely manner," said selection chief George Bailey. "The longer that drags out just leads to speculation. I don't think that's helpful for David.

^{Steve Smith and Alex Carey (WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)}

"David's leadership within the group is fantastic, titled or not. It's highly respected.

"I think it's a credit to David that a number of people externally who are now saying it's a no-brainer that he should hold a leadership position were, 18 months, two years ago, some of the strongest advocates for him having a life ban.

"It's a credit to David that he has worked on himself.

"Internally I can't speak highly enough of what he brings to the group – as do a number of players."

Following the ongoing T20 World Cup, Australia are next in ODI action with a three-match series against England on November 17, 19 and 22.

Related Topics

• Dawid Malan and Sam Curran shine as England complete series win over Australia
• England hang on to defeat Australia in high-scoring encounter