5 best candidates to replace Steven Smith as Australian Test captain

David Warner is the best candidate to replace Steven Smith as captain

Australia lost the second Test against South Africa in Hobart and eventually lost the series; their first at home since 2010-11. Their fifth successive loss in Tests, fourth ever worst home Test in terms of balls played, all this has brought the jobs of the people in Australian cricket under scrutiny.

Everyone from players to the coaching staff and also the performance chief of the team, Pat Howard, has come under the spotlight. Even the captaincy of Steven Smith is being questioned given his decision not to bowl Lyon in Perth when the pitch had started to crack.

Australia will look to avoid a humiliating whitewash at home in day-night Test at Adelaide and if that happens Australian cricket might go through a complete transformation which could possibly include a change in leadership as well. This gives us an opportunity to look at five potential captains for Aussies in Tests if Smith indeed is given the sack.

#1 David Warner

The first name which comes to the mind is the vice-captain of the current test team. Warner, the left-handed batsman from New South Wales, has proved himself as a captain before.

He led his side to a series win in ODIs in Sri Lanka in his first ever captaincy stint after Smith was sent home mid-series to rest for the upcoming home summer. Also, he was very instrumental in leading his side Sunrisers Hyderabad to the glory in IPL this year.

Warner was also at the top of the chart regarding runs scored in the mega event held in India. This shows he reveals when handed over more responsibility. David Warner is known for his ‘never give up’ attitude which he could instil in his teammates if given the opportunity to lead.

All these reasons might tempt the selectors to take the Australian cricket forward in the longest format of the game.

#2 George Bailey

Bailey deserves one more chance to prove himself in the longest format

George Bailey started his International career as a captain, albeit of a new look T20 side for Australia. He was only the second ever Australian to do so on debut after Dave Gregory.

The batsman from Tasmania, though, was not new to this job as he had done this before when he was appointed as a permanent captain of his state side in 2009-10 season. He also led his team to its Sheffield Shield title in 2010-11.

Bailey has also captained the ODI side in the absence of Clarke several times. He has also led from the front when he became the highest run-getter ever in a bilateral series in India in 2013.

At the moment the Kangaroos are in dire straits as far as a reliable middle order batsman is concerned and who better than Bailey can be the option. Bailey has got very limited opportunities to prove himself in Tests. His record in domestic cricket as well as in limited overs format deserves him another chance which could lift his test career.

Captain George Bailey could be even more dangerous for the opposition and a much-needed boost to the Test side.

His calmness on the field in tight situations and his record suggests that Australia can look to him as a potential leader.

#3 Josh Hazlewood

Best and the fittest bowler on show for Australia

Josh Hazlewood, one of the only four players who is guaranteed a place in the third and final Test of the series against Proteas, is another prospect who can lead the side in Tests.

Hazlewood is a terrific bowler and is known for his line and length which is often compared to Glenn Mcgrath. He has been a potent weapon for his captain, may it be home or away, and is a consistent member of the side since his debut. More often than not he is the silent warrior for Aussies alongside Mitchell Starc.

He might just need that push from somewhere and the extra responsibility to lead the side could even get best out of him. Leading the team can make him even more threatening and could well go on to become the most successful bowler for Australia.

Given that age is on his side, this man from the east coast of Australia is set for a long international career which makes him a definite candidate to lead Australia in the near future.

#4 Matthew Wade

Matthew Wade looks set to make a comeback after a long time

The wicket-keeper batsman who has played in all the three formats for Kangaroos but not consistently is a potential player if the selectors think of a fresh young face who can lead Australia in tests.

Wicket-keeper of the current side, Peter Nevill, is struggling to dictate terms like Brad Haddin or Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Wade looks the perfect candidate to replace him. This cricketer from Tasmania is naturally aggressive and deserves a chance to showcase his talent in the international arena as far as test cricket is concerned. He is reliable behind the stumps, and an average of around 35 with the bat in 12 Tests looks decent.

Even more, he is more vocal and active on the field which plays a very crucial role in motivating the team members in the game when the chips are down. Australia, at the moment, needs such a player in the side and as captain; Wade could become even more encouraging for his team. Dhoni’s success as a captain and wicket-keeper batsman makes Wade’s case even stronger.

Considering his natural aggression and his skills, Australia selectors could be prompted to think of Wade if Australia continues to struggle with Smith as a captain and Nevill as a keeper.

#5 Nathon Lyon

Best off-spinner for Australia by a fair distance

Lyon is the most successful off-spinner for Aussies, with an experience of around 60 tests in International cricket looks an excellent prospect to captain Australia.

Alike Hazlewood, Lyon is an obedient student of the game who does his job perfectly to tie one end and keep his fast bowlers fresh for a new spell. He is the best spinner Australia possesses right now, and his numbers prove that.

His record might not be like Ashwin or Yasir Shah, but most of his wickets have come in less favourable conditions. If given the responsibility, Lyon can make the most of it as he has often done while bowling. With India tour around the corner, Australia will need his confidence and experience to overcome the challenge of playing in the subcontinent.

Captaincy could assure him his spot on the side which will eventually help to instil more confidence in him and resulting in much better performances from him and the team.

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Edited by Staff Editor