Australian cricketer David Warner (C) smiles while watching the international rugby union match between Australia and France at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane June 7, 2014.
Australian cricketer David Warner (C) smiles while watching the international rugby union match between Australia and France at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane June 7, 2014. Jason O'Brien

A cursory glance through the squad for the First Test Match between Australia and India bring out a very serious question. Is there anybody ready to take over the captains job should Michael Clarke aggravates his injury now or in the next few matches in the series.

There are actually five names that can potentially do the job; they are Shane Watson, David Warner, Steve Smith, Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson. Usually there are three yardsticks to measure a candidate to potentially become a captain.

The future in the team is the first criteria. This means one needs to have a potential long run in the future to exhort his influence on the team. Measuring by this yardstick Shane Watson, Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson all of them fail as the youngest of them is 33 years old.

Secondly is the question of form. A captain has to be an automatic choice in the side and perform with his first calling before he can take over the captaincy. Mitchell Johnson, Shane Watson and David Warner are the only players among the list who are a certainty to the team. Steve Smith and Brad Haddin's form in the past have been patchy to say the least.

Lastly is the question of temperament. Captains are supposed to have a certain demeanor that calls for a calm head and the ability to think on his feet. Cricket Australia and the Australian selectors have in the past earmarked Shane Watson and Steve Smith for their temperament as future captains.

For some uncertain reason bowlers have not been given the captaincy as often as batsmen even though they fulfil all the essentials. This puts Mitchell Johnson in a certain disadvantageous position to the others.

If one adds up all the potential candidates and their scores maybe Shane Watson is the most likely candidate to lead the team. Unfortunately in a few times that he was given the opportunity in the past he was not inspirational to say the least. Therefore the choice for the captaincy should end with David Warner. He is at the right age, 28, to captain and has form on his side. The mental side of captaincy is something that a player grows into. May be he will too.