Australia's Next Captain Conundrum

How many full time captains each test playing nation has had in the last decade?
Pakistan - 8, Sri Lanka - 5, England - 5, West Indies - 6, South Africa - 4, India - 5, Australia & New Zealand - 2. Unlike other teams, with the exception of New Zealad, Australia has seen the least number of captaincy changes in the last decade. While New Zealand has had Stephen Fleming & Daniel Vettorri leading the team, Australia has had only two full time captains in this period; Steve Waugh & Ricky Ponting. Adam Gilchrist, Mike Hussey & Micheal Clarke have filled in for them in interims. Australia for that matter, since 1970 have had a long term captain. Starting with Ian Chappell, followed by a short stint of Graham Yallop, Greg Chappell, Kim Hughes, Allan Border, Mark Taylor, Steve Waugh & now Ricky Ponting have upheld the mantle of Australian captaincy.

Australia now are in a transition phase after the retirement of Langer, Hayden, Warne, McGrath, Martyn and Gilchrist. Ricky Ponting too isn't getting younger, his batting form isn't getting any better, his success rate diminishing and retirement thoughts surely would have entered his mind. But the selectors have quite a dilemma ahead of them. The two main contenders for Australia captaincy are Micheal Clarke & Mike Hussey. The latter's age (35) might work against him, but Clarke's form with bat is a crisis in itself.  Not doubting Clarke's talent as a batsman and a fine fielder and utility spinner. But his vulnerability to short balls has been exposed by bowlers around the world. And he surely isn't in the league of all the ex Australia test captains. Mike Hussey sure does seem to have the charisma and is a well respected senior in the team. His title of Mr.Cricket too augurs well for a future Australia captain, but for his age.

If I was an Australian cricket selector, I wouldnt even look towards Clarke. I would either opt for a bowler captain in Mitchell Johnson, already a senior in the team and will ensure he stays focussed for the team benefit or hand it over to Mike Hussey or Brad Haddin for a short period of two years and ensure either of Cameron White or Callum Ferguson trained under them as vice captains. I feel Callum Ferguson is someone with enormous potential and is a player to watch out for in the future.

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