Tim Paine, who stood as captain for Steven Smith on the fourth day of the third Test, is all set to become 46th Test captain of Australian cricket team, a report in SBS.com.au suggests.
As per the report, he will officially assume the role before the start of the last Test match.
ICC has already banned Steven Smith, and he will miss the final contest.
David Warner, Australia’s vice-captain, also stood down from his post, which gives clear indication that Paine is all set to be handed the captaincy job.
Though, this does not mean Warner will miss the final Test match. If handed the job officially, it will be more surprising than his Test comeback.
The wicket-keeper batsman made his comeback to the Test side last year for the Ashes 2017/18.
Matthew Wade’s torrid form behind the wickets forced the selectors to drop a bombshell and hand him a surprise comeback.
He had done well since making a comeback in Tests and had sustained his place in the side.
The 33-year old is also expected to lead the team on permanent basis.
Just like in the longest format of the game, Australia will have to look for a new captain in the limited-overs format, as well.
Aaron Finch seems to be the front-runner for the job in that format, as he had also led the team in the past and is in good form too.
Meanwhile, Cricket Australia had ordered an inquiry against the Australian team. Post the investigation the board will conclude who were the players involved in planning the Sandpaper Gate. Strict action against all the players involved is expected.
As per the reports, Warner and Smith might be banned for life as well.
However, if Smith and Warner escape the ban, they are not expected to assume back their roles of captain and vice-captain, respectively.
In short, Australia will go with a new captain in World Cup and Ashes 2019. Smith got appointed as the captain of Australian cricket team after the retirement of Michael Clarke in 2015.
The latter played his last ODI in Australia’s triumph in World Cup 2015 while his final Test came in Ashes 2015 in England, where the hosts regained the urn from Kangaroos.