Australia’s national selectors may often endure the wrath of frustrated cricket fans but they cannot be blamed for the dearth in Test captaincy candidates because several players have had a chance to stake a claim.
Selection chairman Trevor Hohns has reiterated there was no thought given to replacing Tim Paine after his second series defeat in as many attempts as skipper against India. However, Paine’s wobbles behind the stumps through the final two Tests - and inability to handle his emotions as well as he would have liked in Sydney - suggest change may not be too far off.
To do that, he needs to negotiate three Tests in South Africa - a tour likely to be tougher than many think despite the Proteas being in a rebuilding phase - and then perhaps the World Test Championship at Lord’s in June. Paine has repeatedly made it clear he wants the opportunity to be the inaugural Test Championship skipper and, should Australia qualify, it makes sense for him to then continue through until the end of Ashes. But from there a run of almost of four years may be done.
Here is a snapshot of the issues the selectors face and how they have looked to fill a void that unexpectedly came amid the madness of the 2018 South African tour when Steve Smith stepped down, and his deputy, David Warner, was banned from ever again holding an official leadership role.Don’t worry if you can’t remember that they were Paine’s initial vice-captains ahead of the 2018 Test series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates.
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