Cricket feature: Pat Cummins will lead Australia in Test and One-Day internationals. Is David Warner out of the race?

"The Cricket Australia Board endorsed Cummins to become Australia's 27th ODI captain, taking over from Aaron Finch who retired from the format last month," stated Cricket Australia in an official media release. 

Justifying many expectations, the Australian Test captain Pat Cummins is all set to lead the side in a limited-over format. However, the decision of Cricket Australia has invited gossip about the former vice-captain David Warner who has been sidelined despite his capability. 

A big feat for Pat Cummins! 

With just a year to go before the ODI World Cup, the appointment of the new captain will give a new direction to Australian cricket. This decision will hold Australia's fate in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023. 

29-year-old Pat Cummins is the first bowler to captain the side after Shane Warne, who led Australia in 11 ODIs. Notably, he edged out the likes of many capable players on the team, such as Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh, and many others. 

Last year, he was named the Test captain, and since then, he has been performing this role quite brilliantly. Earlier this year, he also guided his team to win the Ashes against England. His experience captaining Australia in Test cricket will help him justify this role effectively. 

"I have thoroughly enjoyed playing under Finchy and have learned an enormous amount from his leadership. They are significant shoes to fill although we are extremely fortunate to have a one-day squad with a huge amount of experience," stated Cummins after being appointed as the ODI captain.

David Warner sidelined from the role? 

While Pat Cummins is all set to lead the side, many fans seem disappointed with this decision as the board did not consider David Warner for the position. 

Fans, along with former players, had endorsed David Warner as a perfect captain. However, Warner, who was involved in the ball-tampering scandal in 2018, was imposed a lifetime ban from leadership positions. Due to this ban, the left-handed batter was considered ineligible. 

But, his impressive track record and experience define his capability for the role. The progress in cricket that he has made after the two-year ban is excellent. David Warner has been playing for the national team for a long time and was one of the top contenders for captaincy. Lately, many talks have been about lifting his ban to lead the side. However, after Cricket Australia decides to appoint Pat Cummins as the new captain, it is clear that the board does not intend to uplift David Warner's ban. 

Pat Cummins will begin his ODI captaincy journey against England in the three-match series in November after the T20 World Cup. After this series, they will lock horns against South Africa in January. No vice-captain for the team has been named till now. The pacer will be the 27th ODI captain for Australia. It will be pretty exciting to see how he will take the team forward and justify his role.