Aus vs Pak: Ian Chappell roasts Cricket Australia for looming leadership crisis

Former Australia captain Ian Chappell wrote on Sunday about looming struggles that Australia can face in April 2020 when Steve Smith's ban from being involved in any leadership role will end. Chappell reflected on current skipper Tim Paine's potential successor should he decide to hang up his boots next year. veteran commentator and pundit also explored idea of having a bowling captain.

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Bowlers can also make good leaders

In his column for an Indian media daily, Chappell wrote about how Australia is struggling to produce new Test skippers, which is a massive shift from times when country was looked up to by ors in terms of grooming future leaders while getting best out of ir current ones. He discussed about how traditionally, especially in Australia, batsmen usually become captains. However, that might t always hold true citing example of current Pakistan Prime Minister and 1992 World Cup-winning captain, Imran Khan and Australia's Richie Benaud. Chappell hinted that Australia might be up to something by having likes of fast bowlers Pat Cummins as his deputy. 

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Will Smith be in right mindset?

Chappell lauded Tim Paine's stint for his massive role in Australia's revival after damning 2018 ball-tampering scandal in South Africa, having helped in fans getting ir confidence back in national side, re-establishing its im. Paine captained Aussie side to retain Ashes in summer of 2019. However, when Steve Smith becomes available for captaincy once again, it will totally be up to Paine to hang up his boots or t. Chappell is t so certain about Smith being right choice since it depends on his frame of mind to be at helm of Australian affairs and hinted at his selection being a backward step for Australian cricket, which would have failed to produce a line of natural leaders.

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Australia struggling with good leaders

Chappell cited excess of international cricket played se days as a reason for Australia struggling with its captains. Since young players are busy on international tours with senior team or 'A' side for example, it impacts quality of club and domestic cricket significantly as y seldom get time or opportunity to groom ir leadership skills in first-class cricket in order to excel in international cricket. Australia's domestic cricket structure has been under immense scrutiny, which has blown up issue furr.

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