Australian captain, Aaron Finch announced his retirement from the one-day international format after the 3rd ODI against New Zealand. But he would continue to captain in the T20s and will lead Australia in the T20 world cup too. Australia Cricket Board has got itself into a dilemma. They are confused about who will lead team Australia further in ODI. Aaron Finch hinted to give the captaincy to David Warner although he is serving a lifetime leadership ban. Pat Cummins is one of the immediate choices. He is already leading the test team and can be turned out to be Australia’s full-time captain of all formats. Legend’s big Aussie fear as Cummins issue opens door to bolter.
Australia Cricket Board dilemma over next ODI captain.
Adam Gilchrist’s statement:
” I think it could make things a little bit complicated. Talking to a number of footy players over this winter actually, AFL guys who didn’t seem to ever be too keen for co-captains. It became trendy for a while, but I think at the end of the day the buck’s got to stop somewhere with leadership … I personally think just one captain. So who will that one captain be? “
Australia Cricket Board has 3 choices with them for their successor in 50 over format. They are Pat Cummins, David Warner, and Steve Smith.
Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins is all set to come back in ODI keeping in mind the 2023 world cup. He is already leading the test side, so he may be the automatic choice for the cricket board. He is 29 years old and can manage enough to handle captaincy responsibility in 2 formats. David Warner also appreciated the move to make him the captaincy if taken. Adam Gilchrist said,
“Everything he’s done so far he’s done in a controlled, measured manner, balanced manner and he seems to be handling it all really well, all the various responsibilities.”
The concerns are over managing his workload. He has to play all matches and series if he becomes the captain. When he will remain out from playing 11 who will lead in his absence of him? He is planning to come back in ODI so practically it is difficult for him to continue.
David Warner
David Warner is a contender too and even Pat Cummins suggested too. Aaron finch while signing out suggested board to discuss with him. He has well overall experience and leadership experience too in BBL and IPL. He plays ODI cricket very often and can be a good contender. The issue arises as he is serving a lifetime leadership ban after his participation in the ball-tampering incident. But the news is he is going to sit and discuss with the cricket board member in the next few days which gives us hints of his interest. He too accepted that there is a lot to go and a lot to happen for becoming ODI captain. Moreover, on seeing long-term plans there is some uncertainty. He will turn 36 in a few months. Whether he can continue for long there is a big question mark.
Steve Smith
He is one of the well-known players around the world. He is included in fab 4 even. Everyone knows his leadership quality. He was handed the role of the captain of the test team at a very young age. He performed well even when he was captained. So captaincy pressure will not hinder him. He was banned from cricket for 2 years after the ball-tampering case. Although he can return to leadership duties as he was not given a leadership ban. But there is a lack of enthusiasm from the cricketer himself. On asked whether he want to take back captaincy, he denied it immediately and said he was unaware of the board’s decision on him. He is also a senior player and is 33 years old now. He jokingly said he is old enough and probably the next one to retire.
