On Wednesday, May 1, Cricket Australia (CA) announced their 15-man squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 that begins on June 1 in the Caribbean and the USA.

Mitchell Marsh was named as the skipper of the side that also includes ODI and Test captain Pat Cummins. Marsh was a part of the Delhi Capitals team before returning to Australia to undergo rehabilitation following injury issues.

Bet here on IPL 2024 and other cricket matches!

Fans have been wondering why Marsh was handed the captaincy role in spite of the selection of Cummins. The 30-year-old led Australia to the ICC World Test Championship as well as the 2023 World Cup.

MORE: Why did Australia drop Steve Smith for T20 World Cup?

Why Pat Cummins will not lead Australia at the T20 World Cup 2024?

Earlier this year, when Australia took on New Zealand and West Indies in six T20Is combined, Mitchell Marsh served as the captain, continuing in the role since he first led the Aussies against South Africa.

Cummins was picked up in the squad for the New Zealand bilateral series. Australia had a full-strength squad available and the all-rounder was happy to play just as a bowler. 

Speaking after winning the Player of the Match award in the second T20I against the Kiwis, Cummins shed light on not captaining Australia in the shortest format. 

“I love it. Go and hide on the boundary, haven’t fielded on the boundary for a while, just concentrate on bowling and nothing else,” Cummins said.

Upon the announcement of the Australian T20I squad for the three T20Is against West Indies, CA chief selector George Bailey said at the time that they weren’t sure about which player would permanently succeed Aaron Finch as the T20I captain. Finch led the 2021 T20 World champions from 2016 to 2022, before retiring. 

We will make a decision on that post the New Zealand series. One thing we are conscious of is Mitch hasn’t had a chance to work yet with Andrew McDonald as coach. New Zealand will be the time when Andrew jumps back in so it will be a good chance to see how those two work together.

We’re confident it’ll work but we just haven’t seen it yet. Mitch will get the opportunity here and likely get the opportunity in New Zealand as well.

Has Pat Cummins ever captained Australia in T20Is? 

Ever since making his debut in T20Is in 2011, Cummins has played 52 games in the format for Australia. However, he has not captained the team on a single occasion.