In recent months, we have seen teams experiment a lot with captaincy. Since regular captains want to manage workload, a few younger players are getting a chance. Interestingly, a few nations have made a daring move just before the 2023 ODI World Cup. On that note, here, we take a look at two players you might not know have been appointed as captains of their national ODI sides before the World Cup.
1) Zak Crawley – England captain for the Ireland ODI series
It was a surprising move for England to announce Zak Crawley as the skipper of the second-string English squad that will go against Ireland in an ODI series. The top-order batter has only played 3 ODIs, so far.
However, this move could have been done keeping in mind Crawley’s potential. England needs to groom a lot of youngsters as future captains. Their squad is getting old and it is important to form a young leadership group. Hence, Crawley might have been given a chance.
2) Lockie Ferguson – New Zealand captain for the Bangladesh ODI series
Lockie Ferguson is one of the players you might not know have been appointed as captains of their national ODI sides before the World Cup. Not many have seen Lockie as a captaincy material. That’s mainly because of his fitness issues. However, he will lead the Kiwis in an ODI series before the World Cup.
It would be a second-string New Zealand squad that will tour Bangladesh. Lockie will be the captain for this series. It would be a fine experience for him in the new role. Also, he would also want to further improve his form and be ready for the mega-event. With Lockie getting this opportunity, it appears that he might be in the plans for the future, as well. However, the likes of Tom Latham are currently doing well and it might take a while before Lockie has a real crack.
