AFP Sports looks at the main contenders to be Australia's next one-day captain following Michael Clarke's decision to retire from ODIs after Sunday's World Cup final against New Zealand:
Steve Smith
The favourite following his role as stand-in skipper in Clarke's injury absence for the last three Tests against India this season.
Smith has been in outstanding batting form following his four centuries in the four-Test India series with four consecutive scores above 50, highlighted by his last start 105 off 93 balls in the World Cup semi-final victory over India.
Smith, who will be 26 in June, has age on his side to be in place to lead Australia through to the next World Vup in England in 2019.
George Bailey
Led Australia in 29 of his 57 ODIs with a 55-percent winning ratio. Captained the team in their opening World Cup pool game against England while Clarke recovered from hamstring surgery.
Averages 42 with the bat, he is personable and comfortable with the media, but age is not on his side as he will be 36 by the time of the next World Cup.
David Warner
An outside choice given his on and off-field indiscretions with officialdom, but his forceful presence may be option.
Dynamic opening batsman who dictates the scoring with his wide array of aggressive shots and is also an athletic fielder.
His temperament is likely to count against him, given the calmer persona of Smith and Bailey under game pressure.
Source: AFP
