Australia will name a new captain in the leadup to the Ashes
after Paine sensationally stepped down from the role last week
over a 'sexting' scandal.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Gilchrist was a successful understudy to
captains Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting, leading Australia in six
of his 96 tests, including a first series win in India in 35
years during the 2004 tour.
"I think Pat Cummins is the frontrunner there. I’ve got no
problems with him having first opportunity," the 50-year-old
told Reuters.
"They should have him if he’s keen to do it -- and he must be
reasonably happy to take the role given he’s vice captain."
Like other major cricket nations, Australia has been reluctant
to appoint bowlers as captains, with most coming from the
batting ranks.
Cummins would be only the second specialist fast bowler in the
role since Ray Lindwall led in one test against India in the
mid-1950s.
"I see no reason to pigeonhole Pat as a fast bowler who can’t do
it," said Gilchrist.
"I think he’s had a huge amount of respect from everyone, really
-- particularly from his team mates, so I think that’s the way
they will lean."
Steve Smith, who completed a two-year suspension from leadership
roles last year for his part in the 2018 Newlands ball-tampering
scandal, is eligible for the captaincy and has voiced his hopes
of taking it on again.
However, pundits are divided as to whether the public would be
ready to embrace the batsman again for a position often referred
to as Australia's "second highest office in the land" after the
Prime Minister.
Gilchrist said 28-year-old Cummins had stepped up as a senior
leader while Smith was banned from leadership.
"I just think Pat Cummins has developed into a more integral
part of that team and grown in his knowledge of the game and
experiences he’s had," he added.
"I think it’s a case of whilst you’re away someone else has come
in over the top of you, to an extent.
"Steve Smith could very well take the captaincy again but Pat
Cummins will be the guy they lean to now."
(Reporting by Ian Ransom; Editing by Shri Navaratnam)
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