Former cricketer Brad Hogg thinks Steve Smith should take over the Australia captaincy from Pat Cummins for Test cricket. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Hogg noted that having a batsman as skipper makes the most sense, as it’s essential to give fast bowlers a break from time to time to manage their workload.
He also considered that leading a team would be a great challenge for Cummins, given that he plays in all three formats, as well as the Indian Premier League (IPL).
“I think Steve Smith should be the permanent captain,” Hogg suggested. “The fast bowlers need to give them a bit of rest, especially when they are playing all three formats. Pat Cummins will also be playing in the IPL. The workload for him is increasing.
“For me, I think hitters have to be captains because it’s too much pressure on fast pitchers. Yeah, Pat Cummins got away with it early on, but as time goes on, I think he’s going to create a little more.” frustration.”
Australia suffered back-to-back losses in the first two tests of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India under Pat Cummins. The sprinter was unavailable for selection for the third Test due to personal reasons and Smith was made deputy captain.
Steve Smith received praise from all quarters for his leadership of the Test. The Australian side turned around in Indore, securing a resounding nine wicket victory over India on a turning track.
‘The batsmen are under less pressure’: Brad Hogg on why Steve Smith should replace Pat Cummins as Australia’s Test skipper
Brad Hogg further stated that bowlers have to deal with more pressure compared to batsmen. He mentioned that as a fast bowler, Pat Cummins may not be able to make the right decisions when he is exhausted.
The cricketer turned commentator highlighted that Steve Smith is a very good reader of the game and therefore knows how to put pressure on the opposition.
“We saw in the last test match that Steve Smith has the art of the captaincy,” added Hogg. “He reads the game well. He makes those little changes that put pressure on opposition hitters. At the end of the day, if I look at all the great captains when they’re batting, they don’t see themselves as captains.” .
They’re just doing their job as hitters, trying to put runs on the board. But it is on the field where they make most of their decisions. Hitters are under less pressure. Bowlers have to worry about their own game of bowling. Also, sometimes when you’re wearing yourself out, you have that physical pressure on you and it affects your mental thoughts as well.”
Pat Cummins will not return to the Australian team for the upcoming fourth and final match of the Test series against India and Smith will remain captain. The match will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad from Thursday, March 9.