STEVE SMITH, Australia’s first choice captain Pat Cummins could be recalled to the Ashes if he is injured or resting.
A panel of experts, specially assembled by the Aussies, interviewed the pair yesterday about the position. The Tim Paine is looking for a successor.
Cummins is likely to be named captain, with Smith as vice-captain. This will be his first leadership position since he was sacked for his role in the Sandpapergate Scandal almost four years ago.
It is unlikely that fast bowler Cummins can play all five Tests in six weeks.
This means that Smith will be expected to replace Cummins as captain, rather than remain vice-captain and have another candidate become caretaker.
Smith’s return as the leader of the country, even if it was temporary, would spark a storm.
Most cricket fans in Australia, according to a public survey, believe that Smith has already served enough punishment and are willing to accept his return as captain.
In March 2018, he was fired as captain and banned for one year from playing football after the scandal of ball tampering in Cape Town.
Paine is likely to retain his position as a member of the Australian team, despite his shameful sexting.
Marcus Harris, the Test opener for Australia, said that all players wanted Paine to be in the first Test.
Paine resigned as captain in tears after it was revealed that he had sent lewd messages to a receptionist in Cricket Tasmania, including one showing his manhood.
He is eager to play England, and will be playing a 50-over game for Tasmania against Western Australia.
In a match played earlier this week, he had six catches but only scored one run.
Harris said: “Tim did a great job under difficult circumstances in the past few years and I still think that you could argue that he is the best gloveman of the country.
“I’m sure he has all of the players’ support.” Painey is one of the most popular members of the group.
We’re eager to see him in Brisbane within the next few weeks and get to play cricket.
England has confirmed that Troy Cooley will be the fast bowling coach for the Ashes.
Cooley has worked for both England and Australia, including England’s 2005 Ashes victory.
Seamer Stuart Broad: “I am really looking forward in picking Troy’s mind on Australian conditions and Australian player’s.”
The rain ruined the second day of England’s three-day inter-squad game in Brisbane. Rain stopped play on the first day of England’s three-day intra-squad match in Brisbane.
