I thought he’d be a good captain, but he has exceeded my expectations – Ian Chappell on Pat Cummins’ leadership

Former Australian skipper Ian Chappell has hailed Pat Cummins’ leadership after the latter led the team to glory in the ODI World Cup. Cummins was brilliant in the all-important final against Australia as he decided to bowl first after winning the toss.

Cummins also introduced Glenn Maxwell in the 10th over and the all-rounder was able to get the big wicket of Rohit Sharma, who scored a blistering knock of 31-ball 47.

The fast bowler was right on the money with his field placements and bowling changes and got the best out of his players in the ODI showpiece. Cummins also led from the front in the summit clash against the hosts as he returned with figures of 2-34 in his quota of 10 overs. The gun fast bowler accounted for Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer.

Cummins had already proved his mettle in the Test format and he was able to prove his worth in Test matches.

“Cummins has not only proved himself a worthy Test captain, his leadership has now expanded and he is also successful in 50-overs cricket. I thought he’d be a good captain, but he has exceeded my expectations,” wrote Ian Chappell for ESPN Cricinfo.

On the other hand, Chappell compared Cummins with Anil Kumble and Mark Waugh for letting his performance do all the necessary talking.

“I’d put Cummins in the same bracket as Mark Waugh and Anil Kumble – fierce competitors who convey their intentions purely by their actions. Shooting your mouth off doesn’t make you a tough player; quite often, it’s exactly the opposite.”

“Cummins was the right choice as Australian captain and he has done an extremely good job. Even in the ultra-demanding climate of Australian cricket, he has earned the right to remain captain for as long as he wants the role,” Chappell added.

Cummins will now lead in a three-match Test series against Pakistan.