Australian Cricket Test Team Captaincy

There is no doubt the Australian Test team captaincy will be discussed at the conclusion of the World Cup. It is a topic which never really ceases to turn over, whether at the BBQ in the park or with those entrusted to make the big call when necessary. Here is my two cents worth.

There are probably a number of ideas floating about but two essential questions need their answers finalised before the team can move forward.
They are:
1. Should Ricky Ponting continue as captain or should he retire.
2. Is he the best number three batsman in Australia. If so, should he remain if asked to surrender the captaincy.

My answer to these questions is no, yes and yes. As much as it pains me to say it, I believe it is time for punter to step away from the top job. Why? For the very reasons I am suggesting he remain as our number three. Others may say (including Ricky himself) he can be at the peak of his skills concurrently as captain and batsman. My opinion is he is not the best man to assume both roles into the future.

So who is? I don't know, and that is exactly why the selectors get pain good money! Someone is going to have to say to Ricky Ponting - 'you know what punter, we don't really know if this next guy is going to be any better than you at being the captain, however we need you at first drop and we are taking a risk with such and suchas captain.'

ouch!

The real question behind all this supposition is this - can Ponting improve as a captain?

The highest risk for Aussie cricket to take would be to provide a chance for Ricky to do just that. Boy would it be worth it if it came off.