Australia’s Test squad for Perth is gradually taking shape, in particular the realisation that while Pat Cummins will be there he will almost certainly not play.
As a consequence, Steve Smith has been confirmed as the stand-in captain for so long as Cummins is unavailable, as selection chair George Bailey explained.
Travis Head, Pat Cummins and Steve Smith.Credit: Getty
“If Pat doesn’t play, Smudge will captain,” Bailey said. “That’s business as usual for us. That formula has worked. Regardless of whether he’s playing, Pat’s keen to be around because if he’s not playing he’ll be rehabbing and getting ready and bowling, so he’ll be with the team anyway.
“So that information flow and working together as captain and vice-captain will remain the same.
“Steve landed and he was in at Cricket NSW the next day batting. So he’ll do his thing. We’ve tried to tailor everyone’s prep to suit them and certain obligations around that, but very comfortable he’ll be ready to go.“
Read more about Smith and the injury status of Cameron Green here.