Watto picks a solution

AUSTRALIA is in the midst of a convoluted process to appoint its next vice- captain, but Shane Watson believes it should be as simple as the captain’s pick.

Watson is somewhat of an authority on the matter having served as a vice- captain, cap- tain and senior player through a torturous period where personality clashes appeared to undermine the leadership.

Mitchell Marsh is the favourite to step in as Tim Paine’s deputy for the tour against Pakistan, but several players are reportedly on a short- list.

Michael Clarke has admitted he was a poor vice- captain to Ricky Ponting, Watson concedes he and Clarke didn’t work, and the ball- tampering scandal has exposed the flawed chemistry between David Warner and Steve Smith.

The final decision on the Test vice- captaincy will be made by Justin Langer and the selectors before going to the board for approval, with an an- nouncement to be made before the first Test in Dubai on October 7.

But Watson says Australia should consider giving the casting vote to the skipper.

“I think the captain should just about pick the vice- captain or have a huge influence in that decision because in the end, as a captain, you know who is going to be your most supportive person.

“If you are honest with yourself, ( it’s someone) who is going to be able to complement you as a leader.

“It also means you’re not going to pick someone who is going to detract or pull away from your skills as a leader.

“I really believe the captain should have a massive influence because then there’s more chance of getting that dynamic right instead of taking it out of the captain’s hands.

“They make the decision which is the wrong one and in the end it means there’s tension in the leadership group which is the opposite to what you need.”