The captaincy issue
It seems odd to discuss the captaincy as an issue arising from a season in which Warwickshire finish top of the championship Division Two - but it's a valid debate. To thrive in Division One next season, the Bears will have to improve in certain areas. Batting (greater consistency required from more top-order players). Bowling (more potency needed from more bowlers). Fielding (too many catches, notably in the slips, dropped).
And then there is the captaincy. What should be done? Darren Maddy is a fine player and an eminently decent chap - superb senior-pro material. But is he a skipper? His supporters point to the championship table and, barring defeat to Glamorgan, an admirable unbeaten record. His critics refer to strange decisions in the field, particularly in one-day cricket where key bowlers were often left with overs unbowled.
Darren is keen to carry on as captain, which means Ashley Giles faces a difficult conversation if a change is to be made. And what would the ex-skipper's state of mind be next season if he has been demoted?
A tricky one. This blog, as always, pulls no punches. Should Warwickshire keep Darren Maddy at the helm? The answer is quite clear. Yes and no.
So let's consider the options.
Ian Westwood - Did a great job as skipper and excelled with the bat when Maddy was injured earlier this season. Peripheral role in one-day cricket though. Would he always be in the team? Clearly a 'FWC'. But when?
Monopoly Potential Bears Skipper Rating: Park Lane
Ant Botha - Briefly captain this season when Maddy and Westwood were injured. Good thinker about the game and assertive dressing-room influence. But left out of the championship side when Bears play only one spinner.
MPBSR: Regent Street
Tim Ambrose - Stopgap captain for last two matches last season just as the SS Greatbatch struck the final two icebergs and plunged beneath the waves. Handled difficult situation with great dignity. Definite captaincy material.
MPBSR: Bond Street.
Jim Troughton - A Bear through and through but better off, surely, focusing fully on removing that perpetual "enigma" tag from his batting.
MPBSR: Piccadilly
Rikki Clarke - Captaincy experience from Derbyshire but, judging by the way he let the Bears off the hook at Derby, delaying a declaration far too long, best off in the ranks.
MPBSR: Trafalgar Square
Ian Salisbury - Oceans of experience and knowledge but leg-spin is a cerebral art so best let him devote his mental space to that.
MPBSR: Strand
Jonathan Trott - Too intense. Tendency not to walk, even when bowled, would be a poor example for a captain to set.
MPBSR: Free Parking
Tony Frost - Conflict of interests. Could prepare wicket to suit his team.
MPBSR: Pall Mall
Chris Woakes - Long shot, but could be an FR Foster-type appointment. "Shock promotion of dashing young all-rounder drives team to championship triumph in first season."
MPBSR: Pentonville Road
Naqaash Tahir - Bit too laid back.
MPBSR: Whitechapel Road
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11 Comments
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Brian Halford - Brian Halford’s look at Edgbaston.
I personally believe they should have given the vice-captaincy to Jim Troughton so when the occasion arised this season we could see how he coped with it and whether it had a positive or negative effect on his own game, so we don't know now. I think it leaves a straight choice between Maddy and Westwood unless we get someone in from the outside.
I rate Maddy very highly as a player but like many others wonder about his decision making as captain. Westwood revelled in the role but although hes been unfortunate with injuries has really not done much with the bat apart from the big hundred against Glamorgan. He's not guranteed his place in the one day side, so I think we have to stick with Maddy.
Maddy took the captaincy on in an emergcency when Streak resigned. He's done a great job, at the top of a very ordinary side, since. Itd be very unfair to sack him now.
What Paul said (apart from the Troughton bit).
I thunk Maddy should keep it on the somewhat negative basis that I can see plenty of arguments against all the other contenders. Also 2009 will be tough - maybe too tough for a new captain?
But plz no MPV!!
Yes I agree, big job for new man in 1st division. Perhaps we should leave well alone and make sure Darren consults his senior players before making bowling changes in one day cricket.
On another note I thought after watching all 4 days at Chelmsford Chris Woakes looked tired.He is young and has no break, when he was not in the bears side he was playing for England under 19s
I agree. Maddy might drop the occasional ricket re using his bowlers but the team spirit under him is very good and that counts for a lot.
Kim - you remain concerned by the prospect of MPV parachuting in. Don't be. It's not going to happen.
As long as Maddy consults over some of his bowling changes particularly in the one day game then he should probably carry on at least for next season.
As usual, you pull no punches.
Personally, I'd like to see Ant given the job. He can take our cricket to the next level.
Ant has been unable to cement in place in the 4 day game. I too think he could be a good captain, but still think we should leave it unchanged because of the pressures of the 1st division.
How about leave it with maddy in the championship and give it to botha in one-day cricket where maddy struggled?
I think a split captaincy of Maddy and AB is the way forward.