Waugh sees Haddin, Paine as Oz captaincy options

MELBOURNE -Former Test captain Steve Waugh sees captaincy options for Australia other than Michael Clarke

He has discussed the possibility of including two wicketkeeper-batsmen in the Australia team with a view towards grooming either Brad Haddin or Tim Paine as future Test captains.

“That’s the burning question right now: who potentially is the next captain?” Waugh said on the Nine Network.

“Obviously Ricky is still there right now. If he wasn’t to be there tomorrow, you would assume (vice-captain) Michael Clarke would get the role because he’s been groomed for it, he’s done it in the shorter form of the game and done pretty well.

“But for some reason there’s question marks over Michael Clarke.”

Haddin, 33, has captained New South Wales and also led Australia in two Twenty20 matches, while Tasmania wicketkeeper Paine, 26, will lead the Prime Minister’s XI against England at Canberra’s Manuka Oval on January 10.

Waugh sees both as potential Test captains.

“I always believe there’s three or four players in the side who can captain the team, but probably haven’t revealed those skills because they haven’t had the chance,” Fox Sports quoted the former Test skipper, as saying.

“I think if you give players a chance, sometimes they’ll come through.

“Obviously you’ve got Brad Haddin, who’s obviously had a bit of experience.

“The one who I think is interesting that I think about is probably Tim Paine. He gets a few mentions.

“Is there a possibility that Tim Paine and Brad Haddin could both be in the same side?

“I think they’re both skilful enough with the bat and they’re both very good keepers. Perhaps one of those guys may come through and be a captain at some stage as well.” (ANI)