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Moises Henriques hasn’t been given the authority to pick his own batting order against England, but former Test skipper Mark Taylor believes captaining Australia A could be a significant stepping stone for the allrounder.
Taylor says he has no idea who Michael Clarke’s successor as captain will be, but it’s been said by many that the country’s next leader may not yet be in the team.
Henriques showed promise on his debut Test tour to India earlier this year where he scored two half centuries, but failed to cement his position as the allrounder back-up to Shane Watson.
It’s long odds Henriques would play in the first Ashes Test in Brisbane, even if Watson is ruled out or restricted by a hamstring injury.
But his selection as skipper for Australia A is proof that selectors still see him as a key man for the future.
Henriques’ focus will be squarely on performance, but Taylor believes the leadership carrot is there for the 26-year-old from NSW.
“I think Moises is a terrific player and he’s one of those guys who has been in and out of the Australian side,” Taylor said.
“I don’t know where he’s going to be in the years to come but I think that’s a good appointment.
“He’s led NSW in the past and I know people will say, ‘oh it’s a typical NSW position,’ but he’s a good man. He’s got a good head on his shoulders and knows the game of cricket.”
The first challenge for Henriques will be overcoming jet lag and a lack of match-play.
He’s only just arrived back from a tour of India – where he didn’t play in any of the one-day matches, however Henriques isn’t complaining.
Even if selectors have already determined his batting line-up for him.
“It’s a great opportunity for me just to be recognised by the selectors and CA in this light and a great opportunity to lead an Australian team onto the park. It’s a massive honour,” he said.
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