“He’ll grow into that role and take over from Steve Smith”

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Peter Handscomb has been the centre of attention lately following the magnificent start he has made to his Test career. But, while most people have been praising him for scoring two Test hundreds in his first four Tests, former Australia batsman Michael Hussey feels that the 25-year-old could take a step further and captain Australia in the future.

With his second century having come in the ongoing third and final Test against Pakistan in Sydney, Handscomb became the first Australian player since Herbie Collins in 1920/21 to make four scores of 50 or more in his first four Tests.

Furthermore, Handscomb’s career-best knock of 110 has seen his average skyrocket to 89.75, which is slightly better than the 88.40 Hussey was averaging after his first four Tests.

“I hear some people out there saying he’s going to be the next captain of Australia. And, you know, I think down the track he probably will be,” Hussey told Fox Sports. “He’ll grow into that role and take over from Steve Smith. But let’s not put too much pressure on him at this stage. Let him enjoy this success because I’m sure there’ll be a few blips and bumps along the way.

“But he’s been outstanding. He should embrace it as much as he can at the moment.”

Handscomb has thus far defied the odds as many people felt that his unorthodox style would not be suited for the longest format of the game, but according to legendary Australia pace bowler Glenn McGrath, the Melbourne native has managed to prove his doubters wrong due to his mindset and attitude.

“I met Pete a few times before he made his debut and he couldn’t have asked for a better start to his career and I think it’s all about attitude,” McGrath told Fox Sports. “Skill will take you so far, attitude will take you the rest of the way and these young guys coming in, they seem to have a certain confidence, a certain attitude.

“In respects to Pete, hopefully he’ll be there for the long haul and you never know.”