Advertisement

Pat Cummins' staggering call amid David Warner captaincy controversy

David Warner, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade and Pat Cummins, pictured here in action for Australia.
David Warner, Steve Smith, Matthew Wade and Pat Cummins in action for Australia. (Photo by Gareth Copley-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Pat Cummins has floated the idea of a 'captaincy committee' to lead Australia's ODI side, endorsing David Warner for the job if his leadership ban is overturned.

The Aussies are searching for a new ODI skipper following Aaron Finch's retirement, with Test captain Cummins the obvious replacement.

'REALLY POOR': Cricket fans fume over Mitchell Starc act

'HORRIBLE': Sri Lanka under fire after T20 World Cup shocker

However Cummins doesn't play every ODI due to workload management, meaning Australia would have a different captain whenever he doesn't play.

Warner's name has also been thrown up, however he is currently banned from holding a leadership role in Australian cricket due to his involvement in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.

But Cricket Australia is believed to be leaning towards overturning Warner's lifetime ban, opening the door for him to lead the ODI side.

Speaking on Sunday, Cummins said he is open to becoming Australia's next ODI captain on a rotation-type policy, and he is keen for Warner to join him in the leadership mix.

"(The captaincy) is something I'd be open to," Cummins told reporters.

"(But) playing every single game isn't realistic. It would be really seamless if you had a committee.

"The style of just about everyone in the team is really similar. We've got some great leaders in the team, we all get along great."

David Warner, pictured here in action for Australia against England.
David Warner in action for Australia against England. (Photo by DAVID GRAY/AFP via Getty Images)

Warner has previously said he would love to captain Australia, and Cummins is 100 per cent supportive.

"He'd be awesome at it," Cummins said.

"There's a few barriers at the moment, but certainly if they were removed, there wouldn't be any qualms from any of the playing or coaching group.

"He's a leader around our group. Always has been, always will be.

"He's someone in the Test side I lean on a lot. If things changed (with his leadership ban), I'm sure he would be someone you would strongly consider to step up if needed."

Australia to take on India in World Cup warm-up game

Australia's preparations for the T20 World Cup will ramp up on Monday when they take on India at the Gabba in their final warm-up match.

The form of T20 captain Finch remains a talking point, with the 35-year-old not making it past 15 in his past four hits.

But Cummins is sure his teammate will fire during the World Cup, which begins for Australia on Saturday against New Zealand at the SCG.

"He's a scary proposition for any opposition," Cummins said.

"He's got 3000 T20 international runs to his name, and he's still brave enough to take the game on. Big tournament from him I'm sure."

Pat Cummins, pictured here after Australia's T20 clash with West Indies.
Pat Cummins looks on after Australia's T20 clash with West Indies. (Photo by Chris Hyde - CA/Cricket Australia via Getty Images)

The make-up of Australia's best XI has been a major talking point heading into the Cup, with Steve Smith appearing to be the odd man out.

However there are also concerns over the form of Glenn Maxwell, who hasn't made it to double figures in his last seven T20 internationals.

But Finch remains upbeat about Maxwell, backing the all-rounder to fire come World Cup time.

"He'll have a huge tournament. His contribution, not just with the bat but with the ball ... and in the field is second to none in the world," Finch said.

""I'm not worried about his batting at all ... one ball can change everything for a player like Maxy and we see how he's training.

"He's hitting the ball beautifully; he's probably a little bit more still than what he has been.

"So I'm thinking that he's having a big tournament."

with AAP

Click here to sign up to our newsletter for all the latest and breaking stories from Australia and around the world.