GREG Chappell has revealed the top-level belief that Ricky Ponting must remain Test captain.
It is felt that Michael Clarke is an unworthy replacement in his current frame of mind.
In an interview with Nine News last night which completely changes the landscape of Australian cricket, Chappell, one of the four selectors responsible for picking the skipper before each Test, conceded for the first time that Ponting has to be retained because there's no obvious successor during tumultuous times.
Chappell believes Clarke is still captaincy material but the form slump of the 29-year-old deputy has become a serious impediment to his leadership aspirations.
"If we're going to replace Ricky, we've got to make sure we've got someone that we're confident has the right frame of mind who can take over and do a good job," Chappell told Channell Nine.
Chappell admitted his desire for Ponting to continue in the job for years. Clarke will be too old to take over if Ponting succeeds in his desire to continue as captain up until the 2013 series.
If Ponting extends his career that far, the next generation of Test players such as Tim Paine and Callum Ferguson move into the frame as potential captains.
"I would love Ricky Ponting to be there for the next couple of years as we bring other batters through hes a good leader," Chappell said. "Youd have to think very long and hard before you got rid of that resource.
Chappell also suggested offspinner Michael Beer would make the 12-man squad for the Boxing Day Test. "Hes got the potential to be a good bowler," Chappell said. "When we go to Melbourne and Sydney he will come into calculations very strongly. From there it will depend on his performance."
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