A glance through Australia’s squad for Thursday’s third Test against India reveals how big a hole Shane Watson has left behind.
The vice-captain has returned to Sydney for the birth of his first child and he might or might not be back for the fourth Test in Delhi on March 22.
He’s also been suspended for this week’s match for failing to complete a homework assignment for coach Mickey Arthur and Watson says he’s been harshly treated.
The 31-year-old has said he’s considering his playing future and Cricket Australia’s high-performance chief Pat Howard admits captain Michael Clarke and his deputy have some issues to sort out.
Clarke, Arthur and team manager Gavin Dovey formed a three-man committee which decided to ban Watson, James Pattinson, Usman Khawaja and Mitchell Johnson from selection for the third Test.
Watson is one of only five members in Australia’s 17-man squad to have played 30 Tests or more.
The others are Clarke, Peter Siddle and two fringe members of the squad – reserve wicketkeeper Brad Haddin and back-up quick Mitchell Johnson.
There are several theories on picking a vice-captain.
You can go for the wicketkeeper, as Australia have done with Adam Gilchrist and Rod Marsh.
Or you can give the captain-in-waiting the deputy’s role, like Clarke in Ricky Ponting’s side.
Allan Border’s deputy and top-order batsman in the 1980s Geoff Marsh was as tough and loyal as they come.
That type of Border-Marsh bond doesn’t appear to be developing between Clarke and Watson.
But with so few experienced players in the side, options are limited.
Arthur claims to have not even thought about whether the vice-captaincy role should be given to another player, but it’s clear Watson isn’t making a good fist of the role.
If Watson regains bowling fitness and plays as an allrounder in the Ashes, taking the vice-captaincy off him might help his game.
As the job seems to be rarely given to pace bowlers, Siddle’s hopes would be faint.
Ed Cowan is captaincy material but there’s constant scrutiny over his spot.
His opening partner David Warner is another being groomed for leadership honours but taking on the role now would be a big step after 17 Tests.
It’s just another issue Cricket Australia need to put to bed before the Ashes.
