Clarke says Oz have ‘plenty of leaders in pipeline’

Sydney: Australia captain Michael Clarke, who is doubtful to play in the final Test match against India in Delhi due to a back injury, has claimed the national team doesn`t lack natural leaders and there are plenty in the pipeline.

Clarke`s back injury has spotlighted a perceived dearth of captaincy options in the post-Ricky Ponting era. After deputy Shane Watson was suspended for one match for failing to take part in a performance review, the Australians declined to name an official vice-captain for the third Test, and the lack of leadership options was then exposed on Sunday when Clarke left the field for treatment. The running of the team was left to Brad Haddin, who has been out of Test cricket for 14 months and only joined the touring party last week following Matt Wade`s ankle injury. Clarke revealed a succession plan is already in place, adding there are people in their current group who could certainly do it and they have leaders in this group that you`ll see more of over hopefully the next week, six weeks, six months, six years. Clarke added there are capable guys in this team who could captain Australia, no doubt about it and there are certainly young players around the country who could come in and be vice-captain and captain of Australia. Clarke said they have got the stock and it is about continuing to allow these guys to know they don`t need a `c` or a `vc` beside their name to be a leader in the group, adding the expectation is that they do stand up and be one of the leaders in the group. ANI