Fast bowler Pat Cummins has rubbished suggestion of elevation to Australia’s Test captaincy.

Cummins starred with bat and ball in the third Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground recently, striking a fine half-century and taking nine key wickets. The hosts lost the match, regardless.

‘I think it’s pretty ridiculous at the moment,’ Cummins was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

‘We’ve obviously got Tim Paine at the moment, who is doing a brilliant job and I think it’s his for a long time now.

‘So, I don’t think I would make a very good captain at the moment.’

Paine succeeded former captain Steven Smith last year,  when the latter’s involvement in ball-tampering during the Newlands Test against South Africa resulted in a lengthy ban.

Batsman David Warner was also suspended – and has since been succeeded by fast bowler Josh Hazlewood as vice-captain.

‘I think someone like Josh at the moment has an enhanced role as vice-captain. He’s always thinking about the game when he’s out there fielding,’ added Cummins.

‘When he’s batting in the sheds, he is always watching and thinking things through. Maybe it’s different personalities, but I see no reason why a bowler can’t be a captain.’

India sport a two-one lead in the four-match series. The final Test will get underway at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday. Opener Aaron Finch and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh will reportedly not play, with batsmen Marnus Labuschagne and Peter Handscomb set for recalls.

‘If we think India were to play two spinners, Peter could be a really important player for us,’ added Paine.

‘We know how good a player of spin he is. That’s one of the discussions we’ll be having today, if we think India will go that way, and if they are, are we prepared to bring him back in.’

Photo: Gallo