Australia’s Test skipper Pat Cummins has been appointed captain of the ODI team to replace Aaron Finch, getting the job ahead of veteran opener David Warner.

Notably, Warner missed the ODI captaincy because of the lifetime leadership ban imposed on him for his involvement in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.   

Recently, Cricket Australia said it was reviewing Warner’s leadership suspension because of his positive impact on the team.

Addressing the media, Australia’s selection chief George Bailey on Tuesday (October 18) said ‘he can’t speak highly enough of Warner’s leadership.’

“What I do hope is that it happens in a really timely manner,” Bailey said of CA’s code of conduct review. “The longer that drags out just leads to (more) speculation. I don’t think that’s helpful for David.

“David’s leadership within the group is fantastic, titled or not. It’s highly respected.

“I think it’s a credit to David that a number of people externally who are now saying it’s a no-brainer that he should hold a leadership position were, 18 months, two years ago, some of the strongest advocates for him having a life ban.

“It’s a credit to David that he has worked on himself. Internally, I can’t speak highly enough of what he brings to the group – as do a number of players,” he added.

Pat Cummins will begin his ODI captaincy journey with the ODI series against England next month. The fast bowler is expected to lead Australia during the ODI World Cup in India late next year.

(The Indian Express inputs)