Australia name two new vice-captains for Sri Lanka Tests

What's the story?

Australian all-rounders Travis Head and Pat Cummins have been named Australia’s new interim vice-captains for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka. They will replace Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh for the deputy positions.

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Seasoned fast bowler Hazlewood has been ruled out for the two Test matches due to a supposed back injury, while Mitchell Marsh's dismal run of form not only sees him stripped off his vice-captaincy but also his place in the squad.

The mighty Aussies have been busy with chopping and changing their ranks in order to find stability, but have provided leadership roles to as many as nine players in the last 10 months.

The heart of the matter

Having acknowledged the National Selection Panel’s recommendation, the selection committee decided to hand Head and Cummins with extra responsibility.

National selector Trevor Hohns confirmed:

"The Board of Cricket Australia has endorsed the National Selection Panel’s recommendation for Travis Head and Patrick Cummins to be appointed co-vice captains for the two Test matches against Sri Lanka."

He elucidated:

"I'd like to congratulate Travis and Patrick on being named co-vice captains for the series, it is a fitting reward for their professionalism and dedication to drive the elite standards of the Australian men's Test team."

Hohns also heaped praise on the new vice-captains, saying:

“Travis is an experienced state captain who has had a reasonable amount of success with South Australia and the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL. Travis was an impressive candidate when interviewed during the leadership identification process we conducted last year.

“Pat is a fine young man who displays strong leadership through his actions on and off the cricket field. He is also a well respected and popular member of the dressing room, who consistently lives and demonstrates the team’s values and standards.”

What's next?

The first of two Test matches is scheduled to commence on 24 January at the Gabba, Brisbane. The Men in Yellow will follow that up with a five-match ODI series against bitter rivals India in the sub-continent. The tour of India will begin on 24 February.