Australia's T20I captain Mitchell Marsh was left speechless as Adam Gilchrist posed the major captaincy question during the post-match presentation following the cancellation of the fifth and final T20I against India at the Gabba in Brisbane.
The former Australia wicketkeeper-batter asked Marsh directly whether he will lead the team in the forthcoming T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, or if Pat Cummins will take over once he returns.
Since Marsh captained Australia in the T20 World Cup 2024, Gilchrist’s question proved to be a surprise, despite the side failing to make it into the semi-finals. The 34-year-old is Australia's official captain, and Cummins played under him in the previous competition.
It is not surprising that Marsh was caught aback by Gilchrist's question. However, the current T20I skipper responded unequivocally, claiming that he will lead Australia in the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Here's how the conversation went between Gilchrist and Marsh:
Gilchrist: “Who leads? You or Pat? Is Pat going to captain the World Cup squad if he's fit, or will you hang on to the captaincy?”
Marsh: “That's a good question, Gill. I think I'll be there.”
Gilchrist: “So, you're the official T20 captain? Pat Cummins comes in, so he's going to play under you?”
Marsh: “I think so, yeah.”
Gilchrist: “Thanks for clarifying. There have been a few questions around the same.”
Australia does not have any more T20Is scheduled before the T20 World Cup; therefore, the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) is expected to play a significant role in squad selection.
Marsh, on the other hand, believes the team has a stable unit and that much will not be determined by the BBL, as players will simply enjoy themselves in the T20 competition.
“Our squad, at full strength, is a pretty settled team. The Big Bash is there for the guys to enjoy, and hopefully the Scorchers win,” said Marsh.
India will now take on South Africa in a five-match T20I series in December, and the side will then face New Zealand before the World Cup in February.
