5 best candidates to replace Steven Smith as Australian Test 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.