5 players who can lead the Australian ODI side in absence of Smith and Warner

Australian cricket is going through one of its toughest phases following the ball-tampering scandal. In the aftermath of the incident, Cricket Australia banned captain Steve Smith and vice-captain David Warner for one year, as well as Cameron Bancroft for nine months.

Moreover, Smith has also been banned from captaining the Australian side for two years. Australia will not only lose two terrific players but the fact that the duo is barred from captaining any Australian side in the near future will lead to a serious leadership crisis.

Australia will have to find a replacement for Smith to lead the Australian ODI side in next year's World Cup too. We will look at 5 possible options that the Australian selectors can consider:

#5 Cameron White

White made a comeback to the side in the series against England

Cameron White was touted as a future captain in his initial playing days. He was even named the captain of the T20 side in early 2011. However, after inconsistent performances with the bat, he was eventually dropped.

Earlier this year, he was recalled for the series against England after a gap of 3 years. Even though he wasn't able to grab the opportunity - he made just 35 runs in 4 matches - he might be given more chances in the future now that Australia need experience in the batting order. Moreover, considering his experience captaining sides in domestic cricket, he might be given the captaincy of the ODI team.

#4 Josh Hazlewood

Hazlewood has been a consistent performer for the Australian ODI side

Not very often is a bowler considered for the role of captain of an ODI side. However, it won't be a surprise if fast-bowler Josh Hazlewood is handed the reins of the Australian ODI team. Hazlewood has been one of the most consistent performers for Australia since his debut and has been a regular feature in the ODI side.

He has also remained injury-free for most of his career which strengthens his credentials. Even though he doesn't have much captaincy experience, the selectors might want to go with a player who has been with the team for a long time.

#3 George Bailey

Bailey captained Australia for a long time in Clarke's absence

George Bailey was once Australia's ODI captain and even led the team in the 2015 World Cup. Even though he was replaced by Michael Clarke midway through the tournament, he had a successful tenure as the captain.

After the World Cup, the Australian selectors opted for a younger captain in Steve Smith and Bailey was sidelined. Due to a dip in form, he was eventually dropped from the side in 2017. However, Bailey can be considered for the role as he has years of experience. Moreover, his abilities as a batsman - he averages 40.58 - will provide much-needed stability to the middle order.

Bailey has a cool head on his shoulders and under his leadership, Australia could return to the summit once again.

#2 Travis Head

Travis Head led Adelaide Strikers to their first BBL title earlier this year

If the selectors want to go for a younger option, then Travis Head will be the ideal choice. The 24-year-old is already an important member of the limited-overs side. Head has shown the flexibility to bat at any position in the batting order and his off-spin bowling provides another facet to the team.

He was selected as the captain of the Adelaide Strikers in the recently-concluded Big Bash League. Head was pivotal in Strikers' success this year, both as a player and as a leader, captaining the team to their maiden BBL title. His success as a captain at such a young age will encourage the selectors to take the bold decision of handing him the reins of the national side.

#1 Aaron Finch

Aaron Finch is the most likely candidate to replace Smith as the captain of the Australian ODI side

The leading contender for the post of ODI captain is Aaron Finch. Finch is one of the senior players in the current ODI side. The hard-hitting opening batsman has been an integral member of the squad and is one of the most dependable players in the current Australian set-up.

He has loads of experience as a captain having skippered various T20 sides in leagues all over the world. Finch also captained the Australian ODI side in the past in the absence of Smith and Warner. Moreover, he has never made headlines for the wrong reasons, shying away from controversy. His calm demeanour will hold the team in good stead.