By now everyone knows, Michael Vaughan has stepped down as England’s Captain after successfully delivering positive results in that prestigious position of leading international team for almost over 5 years. Actually it’s a bit of shocking news for me with Ashes on it’s way but his performance recently has been below average and it’s a well known secret that cricket boards and cricket fans don’t bother about captain’s performance as long as their side is winning but once the team loses captain has to take all the blame and if captain has poor performance record in recent times, it will obviously lead to these kind of decisions. So I’m not sure if I’m surprised or not but I knew Vaughan will quit soon but I thought it would be after important Ashes series. With Ashes few matches away(Around 9, starting July 2009) , that decision of Michael Vaughan will add only extra pressure to the next captain.
Also Paul Collingwood gave up the ODI captaincy role which means he will not be interested in Test Captaincy either and that leaves names like Kevin Pietersen, Andrew Strauss, Ian Bell and Andrew Flintoff.
Flintoff has lot of experience and has all leadership skills required to perform the duties as England’s captain but one thing which might stop selectors is concerns about his fitness. He has just returned to the side and even though he was good in the 3rd test against South Africa and it seemed like Freddie is back to form but it’s too early to assume that he will be fit for next few years. Personally I don’t want to see Flinty in a role which adds more pressure and I want him to deliver as good all-rounder.
Strauss may not be right candidate as he is not part of ODI team anymore and not sure if ECB still looking to have two captains for different forms of game but only few matches left for Ashes and experience matters and the next captain can’t afford to miss captaining each match internataional match possible be it whichever form of the game.
Ian Bell, I’m not sure about his leadership skills but he is a cool character and probably most consistent players in both forms of game and I won’t be surprised if ECB goes with him but I doubt if that will happen.
Kevin Pieterson is probably the right choice at the moment, he can be a good leader, can handle pressure and moreover he plays his own game according to the situation and I really doubt if Captaincy will have an impact on his batting and I personally would like to see him as England’s next captain.
Or will ECB surprise everyone by chosing a new players like Bopara, Shah or some one you have never heard before as captain.
Vaughan, we will remember you for Ashes victory and your classic cover drives and hope to see you playing for England again and wish you all the best.
Robert Key would make a decent captain, he’s been doing well at Kent
If he continues to play for England, he can always help out the new captain and it should be OK. But this news came to me as a surprise.
In my opinion i reckon due to robert keys consistent performances he deserves a stint, however i think pietersen is the most likely choice. Now Vaughan has said he is to take a break i believe bopara and shah should come in and have a good go.
I think Collingwood is the right choice.
noooooo colling wood sucks .it should be pietersen,Pietersen is the right choice .ok red u got that
Hope Pieterson’s form doesn’t go down the pan