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[Stuey]

History tends to show that not many bowlers make good captains. Realistically though, it shouldn't make a difference. At an international level, you should know the strengths and weaknesses of an oppo batsman and set your fields accordingly.

I agree, but I'd also say that maybe the wrong bowlers were given the role. As an example Flintoff should never have been made captain over Strauss, that was fairly obvious at the time. However I think Swann would have made a good tactical skipper as I think Anderson will, some bowlers don't really think outside of their next over, but you can see Anderson speaking to the bowlers at the top of their run up all the time, helping them to get fields and areas right.  I also think the team would follow him as he leads from the front. I'm from Essex and am backing Cook, but for me Anderson would be the better skipper.   

[Nmcgee]

As an Aussie on the outside looking in, I reckon Ben Stokes showed some real balls when the chips were down and I think that's what you need in a leader. How about Bell to lead (also a serious competitor with balls) until Stokes is ready?

[Johnny]

'Having Balls' and 'Tactical Nous' are 2 different things though.

Ideally you want both, but I reckon someone who's conservative but has grasp on the tactical side of things (e.g. Strauss) would do a better job than some one who has heart but no head.

Does Cook have either??

[Nmcgee]

Is tactical nous something that can be learned? Does he have the support network on and off the field to assist with decision-making. Michael Clark would rely pretty heavily on the coaching staff to assist in tactical decision-making over a test match I reckon.

[Johnny]

No, it's a gut instinct type thing. Off field planning is good, but the best captains know when they will benefit from deviating from the plan.

[400notout]

Is Andrew Gale.

Probably wouldn't have an issue with him. Boycs would love another Yorkie in the side too!

[Manormanic]

Probably wouldn't have an issue with him. Boycs would love another Yorkie in the side too!

Problem is, we're running otta them for our own side - in August when there are tests, Lions games, Under 19 and Under 17 internationals we're so short that I'm expecting the call...

[MD2812]

At club level I always feel with bowler captains the problem is that they tend to under or over bowl themselves.

as for predicting the future, although the wrong sport, remember people can come from nowhere who may be better than those we seem to think are knocking on the door. This is the Daily mail's 2014 world cup team predicted back in 2007.

[Cumbrian Pete]

It's a difficult one with a dearth of outstanding candidates.  Root clearly has the right temperament for test cricket but his tactical nous is unproven.  It would be a gamble, but then Graeme Smith was appointed very young for SA and he did pretty well.  Maybe Root is the way to go after this series.

[pie-man]

Is tactical nous something that can be learned? Does he have the support network on and off the field to assist with decision-making. Michael Clark would rely pretty heavily on the coaching staff to assist in tactical decision-making over a test match I reckon.

I think this support network was evident on the last day against SL.  Cook came up with some interesting fields and seemed to try different things after tea.  Clearly someone has had a work in his ear!

He would have been sat with the support network on the previous day when we (I) thought he should have declared; I wonder the managements involvement in the decision.

[Stuey]

I think this support network was evident on the last day against SL.  Cook came up with some interesting fields and seemed to try different things after tea.  Clearly someone has had a work in his ear!

He would have been sat with the support network on the previous day when we (I) thought he should have declared; I wonder the managements involvement in the decision.

It's been reported that Anderson came up with the fields.

[Manormanic]

It's been reported that Anderson came up with the fields.

Lets leave it that Cook seemed to be quite passive compared to his bowlers?

[WalkingWicket37]

At club level I always feel with bowler captains the problem is that they tend to under or over bowl themselves.

This! When I had my stint last year I was so worried about giving everyone else a go I'd turn up, captain for 40 overs then bat myself at 11. We had one captain who gives himself a game first (bowls his allocation and bats himself 4 or 5) and I wanted to make sure I wasn't in that mould, but probably went too far in ensuring I didn't.

[Cumbrian Pete]

Cameron, I think batting yourself at 11 is probably a bit too generous to the rest of the team.  I drop down from opening to number 6 or 7 if I'm skip for the day, but I guess it depends on your usual batting position.

[WalkingWicket37]

Cameron, I think batting yourself at 11 is probably a bit too generous to the rest of the team.  I drop down from opening to number 6 or 7 if I'm skip for the day, but I guess it depends on your usual batting position.

I'm a number 12 on current form!