Travis Head's captaincy potential has received a ringing endorsement from Test skipper Pat Cummins, with a future handover potentially on the cards.
Head was elevated to joint vice-captain of the Test team on Wednesday, joining Steve Smith in the deputy position.
It caps a remarkable year for Head in which he played a vital role in the Test team and also helped power Australia to the 50-over World Cup title in India.
Head previously held the Test vice-captaincy role but was stripped of the title in late 2020 when he dropped out of the side.
He made 152 against England upon his return in December 2021 and hasn't looked back since.
Cummins is 30 and may consider handing over the captaincy in a few years in order to focus solely on his bowling.
Smith is already 34, so it's unlikely he will be appointed as full-time skipper again.
Head, who turns 30 on December 29, could still be at the peak of his powers in a few years if and when Cummins stands down.
"Whilst nothing's imminent, Steve's not going to play forever, I dare say I'm not going to captain forever," Cummins said.
"So we feel like we've got some responsibility to future proof the team and start trying to give opportunities to other leaders.
"It doesn't guarantee anything, but you know we're giving him (Head) a good opportunity.
"So when you look through candidates for future captains of course he's going to be right up there.
"I know in my last couple of years before I became captain being in some of those conversations as a vice-captain really helped fast track my readiness.
"So down the track it might be Trav, it might be someone else, but we want to make sure they're as prepared as they can be."
Head was named captain of South Australia at 21, making him the Redbacks' youngest ever first-class skipper.
Cummins was glowing when speaking about Head's leadership traits.
"I just think the personality that he brings to the team is something that we all love," Cummins said.
"And I think you see it in the way he plays his cricket, there's a certain amount of freedom to it.
"He takes the game on and he enjoys it. He's always got a smile on his face. He never takes anything too seriously.
"He's great at bringing the team together for team morale and putting his arm around players that need it.
"Sometimes you can mistake that for someone who's not a deep thinker about the game. But I think tactically he's excellent.
"So he's got all the makings of a really strong leader like we've seen him do for South Australia for quite a few years."
