Quote:
Originally Posted by Noble One
It is interesting that they selected Watson as Vice Captain. The VC role has traditionally been reserved as the grooming ground for the next captain. Mark Taylor, Steve Waugh, Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke all spent a significant amount of time as the understudy.
I find it highly unlikely that Watson will ever have a major spell as captain. Both Clarke and Watson are almost identical in age, and both have a poor history with injuries suggesting neither will last far into their mid 30’s. I guess the hope is someone can establish themselves in the Test squad who is under the age of 28 and show some real leadership material.
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I was thinking the very same thing Noble. But with that said we've also had Warne as VC (could have been an excellent captain had it not been a problem that he could not keep his paints zipped), and Gilchrist (just the wrong age but still won us a series in India)
I think they want to ensure that a senior player stands beside Clarke, especially in one or two years when Ponting finally puts that bats away.
I personally would not be surprised if the Vice Captaincy goes to the likes of Cosgrove, Paine, Ferguson or Smith in 12 to 24 months time. Surely the selectors are looking towards a future leadership team and are thus starting to give the 'pups' a chance to prove themselves.