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.
A punter
Guest
+1
A punter
Guest
You might be right Darvos. I'm from NSW but would like to see some players from other states get a go.
davros
Guest
Look what I think we really require here is for Cricket Australia to make it official and pass a law...Anyone aspiring to wear the Baggy green ...must first possess a sky blue nsw cap....you know it makes sense !
A punter
Guest
The captain needs to earn his spot first and contribute to the team.
A punter
Guest
+1. Tubby is not making much sense these days. I think he has just become a "yes man" for CA,
A punter
Guest
He has to earn a spot in the side first. I can't see justification based on either bat or ball. Therefore it is all just conjecture I am afraid.
A punter
Guest
True, Pakistan can play when they want to play,
A punter
Guest
Both Langer and Tubby are talking rubbish. Henriques is a bits and pieces player. Would not be in the 30 bats or 20 bowlers in the shield. And North had a very extended chance and failed consistently
ilovewarnie
Guest
Wow, what credentials, captained a NSW 2nd XI, AND THEY WON! that puts alongside Chapelli and Taylor for mine. lets start talking about him as a replacement for Clarke.
John
Guest
How would you know, you love Warnie and that speaks for itself. Copeland in fact is an outstanding captain and has far more cricket smarts than anyone commenting on this page! Even CNSW and CA took him through their Captaincy/Leadership program 2 years ago and has Captained NSW 2nd XI to a win.
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
If Henriques is able to make it as a test cricketer, then the fact he's been a leader in just about all levels of cricket he's played in his career would suggest he'd be a contender for captain. But why make such comments. I can understand that people starting mentioning names like Warner and Smith for Australia, because there was talk about Clarke's back meaning he could miss games, and based on the team in England, who would you consider. But I still think we should just let Smith focus on batting at the moment and keep away from talking about "future captain" until he's managed to hold his place in the team with strong performances for at least a couple of years.
Chris Kettlewell
Roar Guru
To be fair, the comments about leadership are quite reasonable. Obviously he's not currently shown anything to suggest he's test quality, but if that changed and he became a quality test batsman who could bowl 8-10 overs an innings, then considering him as captaincy potential wouldn't be that ridiculous considering he's been a leader throughout his career, including captaining Australia at U19 level, and various other teams he's played at over the time. That being said, I wish people would shut up about someone with potential leadership in a side when they haven't even made the side yet. It put's a lot of pressure on them and often gets people hating on them as if they'd been the ones that made the comment!
AlanKC
Guest
Hehehe, ain't that the truth.
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
Australia certainly need to groom a few potential successors to Clarke as you never know when Pup's back will become too much for him, but Moises has along way to go. For me, portential leaders could be Paine, Smith, Bailey as a stopgap depending how he goes at test level and even Siddle as a VC option.
ilovewarnie
Guest
great use of sarcasm Pope
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Copeland would make an excellent captain.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
If the Pakistanis had backed themselves instead of the aussies 2009/10 they would have lost that as well.
ilovewarnie
Guest
don't forget O'Keeffe and warner, also touted as possible leaders. Good grief, someone will suggest Copeland as a test leader soon.
Praveen
Guest
Well said befax, I also rate Henriques but he needs more time to develop as captain material, for now smith is the leading contender as future captain, very impressed by him over the last year
Hookin' YT
Guest
Windies lost the Frank Worrell 94/95. The slide was 'set' when they lost to Pakistan 97/98 (still had Lara, Chanders, Ambrose, Walsh). Australia lost to India and South Africa 2008/09. That was the roll off the peak. A loss to Pakistan in 2014 following losses to England and South Africa will set the trend. Probably looking at a 6th ICC ranking then, depending on the Windies. Pakistan in the UAE 2014 will be key.