The team is just as good as any leader. There have been many successful Test captains over the years who have shaped the format. The format allows for different outcomes to unfold but there have been few who have been keen to just win no matter what the costs. In the first part of this series, we look at 6 captains who had more wins than losses during their captaincy phase.
Most successful Test captains – part 1:
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#6 Ian Chappell – 50.00%
The former Australian skipper was known to be a shrewd captain. He captained Australia in 30 Tests winning 15 of them with a win percentage of 50. Chappell led between 1971-75 establishing Australia as a force to reckon with.
#5 Faf du Plessis – 50.00%
He was seen as someone who was a leader of men. Faf du Plessis led South Africa in 36 Tests during 2016-20 winning 18 Tests. He led South Africa to a series win in Australia. Faf then went on to lead the side to a series win at home against Australia in the ill-fated 2018 series. The Aussie fans and media saw hard combat in Faf. His win percentage of 50 is among the finest in the business.
#4 Hansie Cronje – 50.94%
He was one of the most controversial Test captains of all time. Hansie Cronje led South Africa with fine astuteness. He captained between 1994-2000 leading the side in 53 Tests and winning 27 Tests. South Africa’s big achievement was their win over India. They are the last team to have won a 2-match series in India 2-0.
#3 Michael Vaughan – 50.98%
He is one of England’s most successful Test captains. Michael Vaughan led England to Ashes glory in 2005 winning back the urn after 1989. England won a hard-fought series 2-1 reviving the age-old rivalry. He captained the side in 51 Tests between 2003-08 winning 26 of them with a win percentage of 50.98. it was during his tenure when England became a side to be taken seriously in Tests.
#2 Michael Clarke – 51.06%
He was anointed the successor to Ricky Ponting the moment he made his Test debut in 2004. Michael Clarke became Australia’s captain in 2011. It was during this phase that the Australian team was undergoing a transition. Clarke was arguably among the last of the stars of the dominant Australian team of the 2000s.
To his credit, Clarke did fairly well in his tenure. He failed to win a single Test in India (0-4) and England (0-3) but whitewashed the visiting England side 5-0 in 2013-14. Clarke finished with a win percentage of 51.06 after having led the side in 47 Tests wherein he won 24 of them.
#1 Mark Taylor – 52.00%
There is another Australian who caps off the list of successful Test captains. Mark Taylor’s Australia started its quest for world domination in 1994. They defeated the history-defining West Indies side that signalled the change in supremacy. Taylor was known for his innate leadership skills. He led the side in 50 Tests between 1994-99 winning 26 Tests with a win percentage of 52.
Also Read: Most Successful Test Captains – Part II
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