Over 25 years Australia have only had six Test captains. It is a staggering number, one routinely buried amid the rather more mundane records that pop up every half hour. In comparison, India have had 11 in the same period, though there has been far greater stability in the second half of that interval. What this tells you is that Australia have not only picked captains with care but have also chosen the right moment.
From Allan Border to Michael Clarke is quite a story, but it is not one of regular linear progression; no, life doesn't move in simple, straight lines. Instead, it is one of astonishing leaps forward - every captain stamped his personality on the job - and, a bit like in a one-lap race, an eventual return to the starting point. Border inherited a team in disarray. His predecessor, a tremendous cricketer sacrificed to the captaincy, in the eyes of some, quit in tears. The backroom boy was called up and Australia rebuilt, putting attitude first, and picking men of character, substantial people.
We can sometimes cast a superficial eye on the past, but those were the real building years, and those who picked the players can take as much credit as the players themselves. Mark Taylor, born to lead, and Steve Waugh took them far ahead of the opposition; one with flair, the other with a tinge of ruthlessness. Outstanding cricketers were sprouting everywhere and Australia grew strong by the day, almost like the dollar does against the rupee these days.
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