There has been a lot of talk regarding the Australian captaincy as a lot of experts feel that it is time for Tim Paine to be replaced as the skipper, most of them voting for Steve Smith to take reins again.  

But there are people who feel since Paine has done an exceptional job as captain, they want the wicket-keeper batsman to stay.

Former Australia batsman Mark Waugh was the latest addition to this debate as he feels Paine will be making way for the new Australian skipper after this year’s Ashes scheduled in December. Waugh also feels Pat Cummins and Steve Smith are the only candidates for captaincy at the moment.

“I think when Tim Paine finishes, which could be after the Ashes, I think there are only two choices: Pat Cummins and Steve Smith,” Waugh told Fox Cricket’s Road to the Ashes Podcast.

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Ex-skipper Steve Smith was stripped from the leadership role as a punishment for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town back in 2018 and that’s why it’s unlikely that he will be considered for the role again.

Thus, Waugh termed Pat Cummins as ‘favorite’ to lead the Australian national side, considering his rapid rise in international cricket.

“That’s our field of choices and I don’t think the selectors will steer too far clear of that. There are no other candidates from what I can see unless someone jumps out of the ground. But I’d say Pat Cummins is favorite to be captain, Steve Smith vice-captain,” the right-hand batsman said.

Australia is expected to host England for a five-Test Ashes series slated to begin from 8 December.

(With Fox Cricket inputs)