Australia name Head, Cummins as co-vice captains for Sri Lanka Tests

The duo were promoted to leadership roles after Josh Hazlewood was sidelined due to an injury and Mitchell Marsh was left out of the squad. Hazlewood and Marsh were previously named as Australia’s co-vice captains, ahead of their tour the United Arab Emirates to play against Pakistan last year.

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“The Board of Cricket Australia has endorsed the National Selection Panel’s recommendation for Travis Head and Patrick Cummins to be appointed co-vice Captains for the two Test matches against Sri Lanka,” said Trevor Hohns, the National Selector.

We also believe in having strong and even representation of both the batting and bowling groups

Trevor Hohns, National Selector

“I’d like to congratulate Travis and Patrick on being named co-vice captains for the series, it is a fitting reward for their professionalism and dedication to drive the elite standards of the Australian men’s Test team.

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“With Josh Hazlewood ruled out through injury and Mitch Marsh not selected for this series, we believe Travis and Pat are the best candidates to help support captain, Tim Paine, through the two Test matches.”

Head, who made his debut in that tour of UAE, has quickly risen through the ranks in the Test side. His red-ball career is just six games old, but he has experience leading Southern Australia in domestic cricket.

“Travis was an impressive candidate when interviewed during the leadership identification process we conducted last year,” Hohns added. “He has also continued to develop his leadership qualities since joining the Australian men’s Test team.

“Travis is a respected member of the dressing room, he consistently demonstrates care for his team-mates, provides valuable contributions in team meetings, and embodies the values of the team.”

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Cummins, meanwhile, is one of Australia’s mainstays in Tests. He impressed with both bat and ball in the Test against India, particularly in Melbourne, when he picked up nine wickets and scored 80 runs.

“Pat is a fine young man who displays strong leadership through his actions on and off the cricket field,” Hohns said. “He is also a well-respected and popular member of the dressing room, who consistently lives and demonstrates the team’s values and standards.”

Australia and Sri Lanka will lock horns in two Tests in Brisbane and Canberra from 24 January and 1 February respectively.