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HENRY: Smith's appointment means it's time for the tyros

15th December, 2014
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Australia's latest Test captain shouldn't be afraid to roll his arm over from time to time. (AFP Photo / Ian Kington)
Expert
15th December, 2014
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The Nathan Lyon inspired victory in Adelaide will not be repeated in Brisbane – that’s the 12 wickets bit, not necessarily the victory bit.

The grass will be greener, the footmarks will not be as deep and the finger spinners will not be reaping the rewards of close-in fieldsmen suffocating prodding batsmen and deafening umpires with appeals.

The ‘Gabba Test will produce a different style of match, but hopefully maintain a number of quality batting and bowling performances, as well as a good dose of tension on day five.

Virat Kholi may well fancy a true ‘Gabba surface even more than the batting paradise at North Adelaide.

Peter Siddle should warm the pine as Josh Hazlewood would be a handful with his height, bounce and pace.

It is time for the tyros.

The Marsh brothers together, a new batting order and a new captain – an Australian victory has rarely produced so many changes in the XI.

I have to admit to being a little surprised at the elevation of Steven ‘Smudger’ Smith to the most important office in the country, but pleasantly surprised as well.

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Brad Haddin as the wise old head of the operation seemed to be the obvious candidate to lead the national team in Brisbane, especially as the Michael Clarke career obituary looked a tad premature.

Plan A was to have Haddin as the short to medium term skipper with Smith as the intern gaining experience along the Test and ODI path with a view to taking the throne if Michael Clarke’s body failed to heal.

That plan contained a lot of rational thinking and would give Smith time to grow into the leadership role and for Haddin to phase out of the team on a high note while serving as a leader in all senses of the word.

Brad Haddin is one of the most selfless players in the land, he has no desire to “leave a legacy” or be remembered for his captaincy record, he is man who wants to play hard and fair and win every game he plays.

Brad was an outstanding captain of New South Wales until his position was usurped in a part of the deal that brought Simon Katich to Sydney after his disaffection with Western Australia cricket. Haddin graciously stood aside then for the benefit of Bluebag cricket and there is no doubt that had he been given the Australian big ‘C’ he would not have followed the example of more recent office holders who clung on by their fingernails.

If that was the concern of the national selectors and CA Board (and possibly a reason for bypassing the wicketkeeper) then their fears were ill founded. Having said that, Steve Smith is an excellent captaincy election.

I saw his captaincy up close during last season’s Sheffield Shield final where he combined some classy batting with cool, calm decision making. He lead that team quietly and effectively.

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He is not one to get into arm waving, finger pointing and insistent vocal tones. I can’t foresee any remonstrations with opposing players that characterised Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting or Michael Clarke’s reigns.

A little less noise on the field won’t hurt the game. That is not to say that he isn’t a tough competitor for he has proven that he can personally do the business under pressure and he has been an integral part of winning teams – the Shield final being a case in point.

Fortunately his form has been outstanding and I think his run scoring and consistency over the past 12 months would have weighed heavily in the discussion. His infectious fussiness and fidgeting will be satirised but will also be his own idiosyncratic watermark, it gives him a shadow of comic relief which reflects his demeanour – his smile is genuine and a scowl rare, brief and quizzical.

The game could do with some lightening up at the moment and Steve Smith’s creative and unaffected style of getting on with the game could be just what the doctor ordered.

I hope he bowls himself more often than not, too.

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