We are all still in the hangover of the epic Test match series between India and Australia.
It was something for the ages. The four Test matches were like a roller-coaster journey, full of ups and downs.
We have heard enough of the Indians’ heroics in Melbourne, Sydney, and of course the Gabba.
But from an Australian perspective, this series was a nightmare.
They were the team who longed for this series. They wanted to make a statement that what we witnessed last time India visited Australia was just a mere freak one-off.
And they made that statement when India collapsed in Adelaide.
The series was tailor-made for Australia and Virat Kohli’s departure after the first Test match was the icing on the cake.
The point here is they were playing with excess baggage, which resulted in their defeat in Melbourne.
Coming to Sydney, all the batsmen got a start but couldn’t capitalise, except Marnus Labuschagne, which resulted in a below-par score.
(Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
But keeping the cricket aside, there were other aspects.
Was Tim Paine in the right frame of mind? You’ve got to doubt it.
Australians don’t play like this. They come charging at you every time they play, but not this time. This resulted in their downfall.
So what’s next?
I don’t think Tim Paine will get any further chance to be the captain until the South Africa tour. The place where he was given the captaincy might be his last tour as a captain.
Australia must invest for seven to ten years in their captain. Marnus Labuschange and Travis Head are two potential candidates who could take the Australian legacy forward.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
"Where to" implies a good helmsman.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Marnus and Smith are both Gemini; fidgets anonymous. Gemini rules the hands and arms. They also make very good tennis players esp the women.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I think leaders are born; not made. —– I think fans saw Benaud’s ascension coming. But Chappelli (a poor 35 ave) Border (Greg C / Hughes idiocy), Taylor (Who) and Waugh (too late?) were all inspired choices. —– Head or Puc are my two choices and a smokie in Finch. Paine’s continued presence is a peach too long on the tree. We need the next wicky in and it should be sooner rather than later. Paine’s advantage as captain is lesser than the damage done by not bringing in a younger, more available wicky and an unencumbered captain
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
The writing on the wall is in relief starc With none to stamp their performance mark With little from lyon And less from nigh on Any who wish to fly the gilded lark
Jeff
Roar Rookie
This is another captaincy article. The only reference I could find re “where to” for next summer is that Paine will still be captain at that time.
Micko
Roar Rookie
True Jeff. I still think Head will sort himself out, just disappointed it hasn't happened yet.
Jeff
Roar Rookie
We have what should be a competing 5 Test series next summer. We’ll know a lot more after that re the likely permanency of Green, WP and even Head in the side. —— And dare I say it, even Paine’s position in the side. It’s not out of the question that were Paine to have a good summer as captain, keeper and even with the bat, that he could roll on for another 12 months, which would then provide all of those candidates with a further 4 Test tours and another home summer.
Paul
Roar Guru
You're right about Head, but there are no other contenders, IMO, certainly none who are going to be around for more than 5 years, even Smith. Marnus is so wrapped up in himself and his batting to be a good captain. That only leaves the bowlers and there seems little love for them as captains. I also disagree about Green not cementing his spot. He batted really well in the Tests and even more so when he came back to Shield cricket. A decent Ashes series and I'd take the punt, Micko. If it doesn't work out, no harm. no foul, we look for someone else, but if he does a fair job, he could be there for a decade, easy.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Green & Pucovski seem to be prodigies who are probably better off without that burden. Pucovski has enough issues anyway, and Green hasn't really cemented his place yet. If only the heir apparent Travis Head had nailed his spot by now, it certainly would make the current mess easier.
Paul
Roar Guru
Australian cricket has two choices; look at some pretty ordinary short term options or do as the author suggests and "invest for seven to ten years in their captain". I'm becoming an increasing fan of what the South Africans did when Sean Pollock retired as Test captain. They took a bloke who'd played only a handful of Test and made him the new leader. That worked out pretty well both for Graeme Smith and Saffers cricket, given he only lost 27 of the 105 Tests he captained. IMO we have plenty of quality vice captains; Smith, Cummins, Hazlewood, Lyon, etc, but no obvious captain. Marnus is too much like Steve Smith to be a good captain so we need to look at other options and the two standouts are Puckovski and Green. At present, Green would have my vote, only because Puckovski hasn't played a full series. I'd leave Paine to do the Ashes then shift Green into the captains role, if you want someone to captain for the next 7 -10 years. There seems little doubt after his recent summer, he's going to be around the traps that long.
Micko
Roar Rookie
Marnus Labuschagne doesn't seem captaincy material, and Travis Head hasn't been able to secure his place. So either we accept Steve Smith gets the captaincy back, or Pat Cummins becomes a rare pace bowler captain for Australia.