Cricket: Australia's leadership woes

When Shane Watson was left out of the Australian playing XI for the Mohali Test against India, it was asked if his ego had gotten the better of him when he took the next flight back to Australia. How could the vice-captain be dropped? Yes, he didn’t complete an assignment asked by the coach, but he is the vice-captain. What if it was not the question of the assignment? Despite having had a poor series, not been in any sort of form and not being able to bowl, should his place in the side be guaranteed only because he holds the position of the deputy captain? Is that right?

Shane Watson resigning from the post of vice-captain has brought out more of a predicament than the one about selections and picking the right team – the predicament of leadership! The leadership stocks seem as bare as their batting stocks at the moment, which is saying something that was quite evident post the India tour. Australian cricket, over the ages, had always had their successors ready to induct into the team as and when it was required; this is a new situation to find themselves in. There’s no obvious choice to replace Watson in the team, given that nobody’s place is guaranteed.

With the Ashes series just around the corner, having to make a call of appointing a vice-captain to begin with, reflects of the state of Australian cricket. If everyone was excited about knowing the men picked for the Ashes, they are all now wondering about who will be named deputy to Michael Clarke. Should there by a full-time VC named, keeping the long-term in perspective, or someone could be named just for the Ashes and then address the question as and how series’ approach?

Matthew Wade could be in contention, but his scratchy form with the gloves and bat doesn’t secure a place in the team to begin with, having Tim Paine and Brad Haddin in contention for the wicketkeeper’s spot.

How about David Warner? He already has expressed a desire of leading the team in the future – but is he mature enough for a leadership responsibility just yet? Is his own place in the team validated?

George Bailey could be considered as an option, but despite being the captain of the T20 side, he has not found a spot in the Test team, although he might thrive in the format if given the chance, seeming to have the temperament for it.

If you think about the Australian bowlers, Peter Siddle is the senior man amongst the otherwise young attack, but how astute as a leader is he, is not known. Would he be able to handle strategy and tactics in Clarke’s absence for long periods?

Ed Cowan could be an option given how maturely he handled and adapted to the conditions in India, but that alone doesn’t warrant his spot nor leadership ability.

Tomorrow will be a big day for Australian cricket – to mainly see if they are taking a step backwards or are finally moving forward with their selections. The squad for the Ashes is being announced and a new vice-captain will be named. Are we going to see a new deputy for Clarke, or is Haddin going to be named? All your questions will be answered tomorrow.