Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke would like to see all-rounder Pat Cummins captain Australia in the near future, writes ANDRE HUISAMEN.

Clarke, who led the Australians in 47 Test matches and famously steered them to World Cup glory in 2015, feels it could soon be time for the Baggy Greens to select a new leader across all three formats.

Aaron Finch will lead Australia into the T20 World Cup at the end of the year, while Tim Paine will turn 36 in December. Clarke believes the start of next year could be the ideal time to deploy Cummins as the country’s new captain.

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Speaking on a local radio show in Australia, Clarke said Paine has done a brilliant job at leading Australia’s recovery from the ball-tampering saga of 2018.

‘Tim Paine’s done a wonderful job, there’s no doubt about it, and I think he’s earned the right to continue to captain Australia until it’s time for him to retire. Tim is 34 or 35, and I imagine he will be thinking about that after this Australian summer.

‘I imagine if Australia can win there [during a home series against India] that’s an ideal time for Tim to walk away on top.’

Clarke feels Cummins has all the attributes an Australian captain requires and will do an excellent job if handed the responsibility.

‘He reads the game really well. Yes, he’s an opening bowler but he can bat. He’s brilliant in the field. He sees the game how a captain needs to,’ said Clarke.

At only 26 years old, Cummins has already represented Australia in 30 Test matches, 62 ODIs and 28 T20Is.