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Fox Cricket expert Isa Guha believes Alex Carey is next-in-line to become Australia’s captain and has questioned Tim Paine’s management of his bowlers during the backend of the Test series loss to India.
Paine’s captaincy is under scrutiny externally after a series that saw him drop several catches and cop criticism for his attitude, while former England batsman Kevin Pietersen said “he’s probably never going to lead them into another Test match”.
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Speaking on the Fox Cricket podcast, Guha said Carey loomed as a likely option for Australia should it opt for a change in leadership.
“I like his chances whether it’s (maybe) after The Ashes. The question is whether he’s going to be too old, I personally don’t think so.
“I think he’s someone that has the respect of the dressing room, one of the nicest blokes in cricket, seems gentle and kind on the exterior but underneath that there’s definitely a determination and competitiveness that’s really suited to being and Australian cricketer and being an Australian captain as well.”
Guha said the 29-year-old is “the all-round package” and once again showcased his scoring potential with a superb BBL knock last week, making 101 off just 62 balls.
“Brad Haddin reckons he’s the next best keeper, he’s got the ability to score runs and the all-round game to be able to play on the subcontinent on fast pitches that do a bit and he’s got a cool, calm head and the respect of the dressing room,” she said.
Despite an extraordinary innings in the first Test that saw Australia bowl India out for just 36 runs, the bowling line-up struggled to make inroads in later match-ups, particularly at The Gabba when the game was in their hands.
Guha said that Paine’s management of the bowling brigade was a clear focus area for he and the team ahead of this year’s Ashes series.
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“You look back to India’s first innings at the Gabba, (Cheteshwar) Pujara and (Ajinkya) Rahane barely had a short ball bowled to them until they were in,” she said.
“That’s where Tim Paine as a captain has to go to the bowler and say ‘Look I want you to intimidate these guys, they’re playing their first Test match’.
“In terms of captaincy it is such a fascinating watch. Has Tim Paine got the control of the bowlers and the dressing room? I think he’s definitely got that respect but how you manage the bowlers is so key to a tight series.”
Ironically, India’s injury woes and eventual success could prove a perfect example for Paine and coach Justin Langer.
“They’re going to have to look at rotation which is what India did as a by-product of having injuries - every guy that came in looked fresh and on it,” Guha said.
“It’s something Australia employed when they came to England for the Ashes tour ... as much as they’re trying their hardest, it did feel like there was some fatigue setting in.
“When things aren’t going your way that can be really frustrating for a bowler, especially when you bowl 130 overs in the space of six weeks.”