Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins has been appointed Test captain in the wake of Tim Paine's resignation from the role.
Cummins has firmed as the likely suitor to claim the proverbial captain's armband following Paine's involvement in a sexting scandal where he sent explicit messages to a Cricket Australia staff member.
On the eve of Australia's critical Ashes Test Series, which begins on December 8, the controversy rocked the Australian camp as Paine opted to rescind his role as captain and has subsequently taken a leave of absence from all forms of the game.
Cummins edges out former Australian captain Steve Smith to be named as the 47th Australian Test captain, with Smith to be named as his deputy.
"I am honoured to accept this role ahead of what will be a massive Ashes summer," Cummins said in a statement.
"I hope I can provide the same leadership Tim (Paine) has given the group in the past few years.
"With Steve and I as captains, a number of very senior players in this squad and some great young talent coming through we are a strong and tightly knit group.
"This is an unexpected privilege which I am very grateful for and am very much looking forward to."
Cummins is set to become the first face bowler to be captain of Australia since Ray Lindwall in 1956.
Australia will kickstart their summer against England at the Gabba on December 8, with selectors now having to mull over who to select as their first-string wicketkeeper in Paine's absence.
