5 reasons why David Warner should replace Steven Smith as Australia's T20I captain

As far as context goes, the recently completed T20I series between India and Australia may hold significant relevance in the increasingly hectic modern-day cricket calendar. However, the 3-match rubber which ended in a 1-1 stalemate, may just have opened a fascinating debate surrounding Australia's captaincy in the shortest format of the game.

With a shoulder injury resulting in regular skipper Steven Smith returning home, the visitors were led by the exuberant David Warner. After looking worse for wear in the preceding ODI series, a serendipitous change in leadership saw the tourists metamorphosing into a competitive unit in the T20I series.

Extra Cover: David Warner attributes India's recent consistency to Virat Kohli's passionate leadership

Admittedly a couple of matches may not provide a reasonable sample size. But the signs emanating from those two games can be utilised as a starting point to discuss a possible change at the helm of affairs. Here are five reasons why Warner should immediately replace Smith as Australia's T20I captain.

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#5 Attacking mindset breeds success

The inherent nature of T20 cricket demands a captain to think on his feet and adapt quickly to the flowing dynamics. In such regard, Smith can often be found wanting during certain situations. For example, the first ODI against India at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai saw him remove his team's vice-like grip and allowed the hosts to recover from a precarious position.

Smith's inexplicable decision to pull a soaring Nathan Coulter-Nile out of the attack and introduce Adam Zampa into the firing line stemmed from a defensive approach. While such tactics may allow a team to get back into the contest on certain occasions in the other two formats, the brevity of T20Is necessitates a more pro-active mindset. In sharp contrast, Warner let Jason Behrendorff complete his full quota of four overs and also backed his other seamers to bowl out a strong Indian batting lineup during the second T20I at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. His attacking tactics propelled Australia to a comprehensive 8-wicket victory.

#4 Can set the tone and lead by example

Warner's aggressive approach makes him a dangerous batsman at the top of the order

Considering his fiery nature of batting, it did not come across as a major surprise when Australia offered a international cap to the then unheralded David Warner for the 2009 T20I against South Africa at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. Before the trend-setting southpaw, no cricketer had the chance to directly play for Australia without featuring in the first-class circuit.

From breaking a 132-year record to establishing himself as one of the most dangerous batsmen in the current era, Warner has indeed come a long way. His T20I record of 1696 runs at an average of 27.35 with 12 half-centuries does not provide a proper indication of his remarkable prowess in the shortest format of the game. His blazing starts can set the tone for Australia's surge with the bat. Despite being a versatile batsman, Smith does not have as huge an impact on a T20I innings as Warner. Leading by example is often the most important attribute for any skipper.

#3 Imperative to reduce Smith's workload

Relinquishing the T20I captaincy should help Smith to sharpen his focus on Tests and ODIs

It has become quite apparent by now that Australia's priority encircles the two premier formats of the game. Their entire cricket setup is built on accomplishing results in marquee Test series and major ICC competitions such as the World Cup as well as the Champions Trophy. Outside of these important assignments, the selectors remain reluctant to exposing their key players to the rigours of incessant bilateral series. Such an approach is imperative in an era of frenetic cricket.

A vital advantage in removing Smith from the T20I captaincy empowers him to channel his energy solely on Tests and ODIs. The right-hander can enjoy at least one format of the game without having to worry about the diligence pertaining to captaincy. In doing so, the 28-year old can retain his insatiable hunger for runs across all three formats. The concept of split-captaincy prevents the problematic occurrence of player burn-out.

#2 Opportunity to start preparations for 2020 World T20

Warner might just be the ideal skipper to break Australia's World T20 drought

Be it the World Cup or the Champions Trophy, Australia have been the most dominant team in ICC tournaments. Their win-loss ratio in Tests as well as ODIs stand as testament to their overall supremacy in the game. However, there is still one trophy that continues to evade their capture. Despite participating in six editions of the competition, they are yet to lift the World T20. Their best campaign thus far has been the runner-up appearance in the 2010 edition in West Indies.

From 23 matches spanning across five editions of the World T20, Warner has scored just 473 runs at an inadequate average of 21.50 with only three fifties. While the additional responsibility of captaincy has an detrimental effect on certain players, the left-hander's case could become the opposite. During his victorious 2016 IPL season with Sunrisers Hyderabad, he went toe to toe with a rampaging Virat Kohli by smashing 848 runs from 17 games at an astonishing average of 60.57 and blistering strike-rate of 151.42 including nine fifty-plus scores. Having shown that he can take his game to the next level when his leadership skills are brought to the fore, the southpaw has it in him to rectify his abysmal World T20 record if the team management show faith by providing him with an opportunity to lead his country. After all, he has already given an apt demonstration of his ability to thrive under the unshackling influence of captaincy.

With the next World T20 scheduled to take place down under, Australia have a solid chance to add the only missing element to their illustrious trophy cabinet. The next edition is slated to occur only in 2020. But the Aussies have to begin their preparations for the tournament as quickly as possible. Appointing a separate specialist captain could be a pivotal step in that regard. If the selectors enable Warner to stamp his authority and fashion a team in his own image, the team's chances may improve by a substantial margin.

#1 Proven leadership skills in IPL

Warner's imaginative captaincy was instrumental to SRH's victorious campaign in 2016

Outside of the World T20, the Indian Premier League (IPL) is probably the most influential tournament in the shortest format of the game. Warner's commendable captaincy skills were on display during Sunrisers Hyderabad's (SRH) triumphant campaign in 2016. From a mediocre sixth-placed finish in the preceding season, the franchise quickly turned their fortunes around and managed to attain glory despite not being among the pre-season favourites.

Warner's profound awareness on the intricacies of T20 cricket played a decisive role in leading SRH to the title. His innovative tactics often unsettled the progress of menacing batting lineups. The left-hander's natural leadership ability could be discerned from the manner in which he got the best out of an assorted bunch of players. He has earned the right to receive an opportunity to try and replicate his IPL experience at the international level.