I think Ponting's current replacement is just for the fifth test. Which isn't to say the selectors won't pull the trigger afterwards when they've got a bit more time to think.
I think the rebuilding job that's needed with Australia is going to take them four or five years, assuming it goes well. Since, as you note, that's likely to include a lot of losing I think it's a job for an experienced player, someone who simply because they'll be retiring shouldn't expect to hold the job for more than five years.
In support they'll need a young, capable deputy or two, players who can be built up to be long term captains in years to come. They'll also need a squad the selectors are prepared to stick with - the mess that's surrounded their selection of a spinner shows everything that's wrong with the current approach. Instead of constantly sending out inexperienced players they could have a couple of spinners with 10ish tests each under their belt to choose between. They might not be good enough, but at least they'd be better than they are now.
If it wasn't for his abysmal batting performances I'd leave Ponting in, but his batting has been so bad he doesn't justify a place in the first XI at the moment.
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I think the rebuilding job that's needed with Australia is going to take them four or five years, assuming it goes well. Since, as you note, that's likely to include a lot of losing I think it's a job for an experienced player, someone who simply because they'll be retiring shouldn't expect to hold the job for more than five years.
In support they'll need a young, capable deputy or two, players who can be built up to be long term captains in years to come. They'll also need a squad the selectors are prepared to stick with - the mess that's surrounded their selection of a spinner shows everything that's wrong with the current approach. Instead of constantly sending out inexperienced players they could have a couple of spinners with 10ish tests each under their belt to choose between. They might not be good enough, but at least they'd be better than they are now.
If it wasn't for his abysmal batting performances I'd leave Ponting in, but his batting has been so bad he doesn't justify a place in the first XI at the moment.