Eels Blogs

Australian Captain

Posted by SuperEel 22 on December 15, 2014 at 10:34am

So, we're set to find out shortly who will replace Michael Clarke as Test captain. Who would you pick? Brad Haddin or Steve Smith? Haddin is 37 with plenty of experience and captained admirably on Day 5 when Clarke went off. However, he's out of form with the bat and he'll likely retire next year. Steve Smith is 25 and is in the best form of his career so far with the bat. He's seen as the likely full time successor once Clarke retires. Some have questioned his age but Graeme Smith was captaining South Africa at the age of 22. So, would you go short term with Haddin or long term with Smith?

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Replies

Richard Jackson December 15, 2014 at 10:59am

Steve Smith. As you've outlined, he's young and in terrific form and has been earmarked for the role after Clarke.

AB said last week he'd be his pick for the job and that's good enough for me.
SuperEel 22 December 15, 2014 at 11:18am

Debate over. Smith elevated to long term vice-captain. He will captain the side in Clarke's absence with Haddin deputy.
Will 5150 December 15, 2014 at 12:57pm

I was cheering for Katich...
Wile E. Coyote December 15, 2014 at 1:07pm

Warner
No more good boys as captain - that's our problem
Power brokers want a captain that will do as he is told
We need an independent entity as captain
Wile E. Coyote December 15, 2014 at 1:08pm

Steve Smith needs to concentrate on continuing his batting form long term and getting his bowling working
coco December 15, 2014 at 1:47pm

Well I think Warner would be a fantastic captain but the risk is it changes his game
Smith a great choice groomed for it for a long time.
SuperEel 22 December 15, 2014 at 3:22pm

The problem with Warner is that he can say some really dumb things and has next to no captaincy experience. Smith though, has captained the Sydney Sixers and captained NSW to the Shield title last season. He's also become one of Australia's most consistent batsmen. There's also a suggestion that he may, in the future bat at number three, which would be terrific.

I don't think anyone could question his temperament anymore. He's showed that he can play long innings when needed and be the rock around which Australia bats. Remember in the Ashes that it was he and Haddin who so often rescued Australia when everyone apart from Warner in the top order failed.
northcoast eel December 15, 2014 at 3:26pm

Smith will make a GREAT captain.
Alan Hunt December 15, 2014 at 3:28pm

Correct and only real choice, Haddin is 37 and who knows what will happen with clarke.
- SuperEel 22 > Alan Hunt December 15, 2014 at 3:41pm
  
  Haddin said that himself. Speaking just after the Test win on Saturday, Haddin stated that he was happy to fill in for Clarke for a short period of time but didn't think he was the right choice as a long term captain.