Haddin expected to lead Aus in 2nd Test

Australia’s 45th Test captain is expected to be unveiled on Monday, with Brad Haddin considered the leading contender.

Michael Clarke will take no further part in the four-Test series against India.

Cricket Australia’s board have to ratify any decision regarding the captaincy, with selectors putting forward their recommendation on Sunday.

It’s understood the board discussed the issue on Sunday night, with an announcement likely to be made on Monday.

Haddin is Australia’s vice-captain and led the side admirably during the thrilling final session of the first Test at Adelaide Oval.

He has captained NSW and at age 37 has a wide range of experience to call on.

Clarke’s career hangs in the balance, with the 33-year-old saying he may never play again.

If that was the case, Australia would be more inclined to blood their next Test skipper – widely tipped to be Steve Smith.

But as it stands, they are instead expected to go with Haddin as the short-term option for the next three Tests.

Coach Darren Lehmann was aloof on Sunday when quizzed about who will lead the side in place of hamstrung Clarke.

“We have to talk about that,” Lehmann said.

“We will have to work that out as a selection panel and then go to the board and see what they say.”

Lehmann’s words are in sharp contrast to those of team performance chief Pat Howard.

“I will be applying to the board for Brad Haddin to be the captain of Australia. Nice and simple,” Howard said last month, when Clarke was set to miss the first Test.

Australia will train on Monday afternoon in Brisbane.

Lehmann and fellow selectors are mulling over whether to add fresh faces Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc to Australia’s pace attack for the second Test, which starts on Wednesday.

Ryan Harris, making his Test return after major knee surgery, slogged through a total of 40 overs in Adelaide.

Peter Siddle was sick in the first innings, and bowled only nine overs in the second dig.

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