Historic Decision: Cricket Australia names 2 vice-captains for Pakistan Tests

This is going to be Australia's first Test tour since the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town which led to one-year suspensions being imposed on captain Steve Smith and his deputy, David Warner

Cricket Australia has taken a historic decision ahead of the 2-match Test series against Pakistan beginning from October 7. The board has named two vice-captains for the first time in the history Australian cricket.

Mitchell Marsh and Josh Hazlewood – the two Aussie young guns have been chosen to back up captain Tim Paine via an unprecedented vote by team members. But Marsh will be sole vice-captain behind Paine as Hazlewood is sidelined by injury.

The final decision made by a panel that included coach Justin Langer and selector Trevor Hohns, Cricket Australia said.

“We believe the new leadership model will best support the captain,” Hohns said of the decision to have more than one Test vice-captain for the first time.

“It is a successful model used across various sporting codes around the world. Our vision is to create great cricketers and great people, and we are extremely fortunate to have such terrific young men,” he added.

Hohns indicated the decision to name vice-captains was in part to avoid naming a single person being seen as a likely successor to Paine, who took over from Smith following the scandal when sandpaper was used to alter the condition of the ball.

“It was not a process designed to find the next Australian Test captain, but to find two vice-captains who will support and help drive the team's goals and objectives,” he said.

This is going to be Australia's first Test tour since the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town which led to one-year suspensions being imposed on captain Steve Smith and his deputy, David Warner, who was also banned from ever holding another leadership position.

Since the South Africa debacle, Cricket Australia has launched a number of internal reviews aimed at creating a more respectful culture and moving away from the win-at-all-costs mentality blamed for the explosive ball-tampering row.