Former Australia captain Aaron Finch recently took part in an interesting captain comparison challenge, where he had to choose between some of the biggest names in Australian cricket history. From Don Bradman and Richie Benaud to Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh, Finch compared legendary captains from different eras and picked the greatest captain in Australian history.
The challenge became interesting as Finch had to choose between captains who had had a unique impact, from rebuilding the team during difficult times to creating one of the strongest teams in Australian history. Even Finch was given his option to choose from during the challenge. Meanwhile, 4 reasons why Auqib Nabi was not selected for India’s Sri Lanka Test.
Aaron Finch chose Richie Benaud over Don Bradman.
The challenge started with Don Bradman and Richie Benaud on ESPN Cricinfo. Finch said, “Oh, I wasn’t allowed to say any of that. I’ll go, Richie Benaud.” Benaud was one of Australia’s first great tactical captains. He led Australia during the 1950s and 1960s and inspired the team to play more attacking cricket.
They were then asked to choose between Richie Benaud and Ian Chappell, and the former went with the latter. Ian Chappell captained Australia in the 1970s and was instrumental in building a fearless Australian cricket culture. Chappell was one of Australia’s greatest captains.
Even when compared to his younger brother Greg Chappell, Finch chose Ian Chappell. Greg Chappell was a successful captain and also one of Australia’s great batsmen.
Ian Chappell got the best tag from Aaron Finch compared to Richie Benaud and Greg Chappell
After this Finch chose Mark Taylor as the best Australian captain in place of Ian Chappell. Taylor became Australia’s captain in the 1990s and played a key role in rebuilding the team after a difficult period. Australia became a dominant Test team under Taylor’s captaincy.
After this, Taylor started being compared to Adam Gilchrist, one of Australia’s greatest wicketkeeper-batsmen. Gilchrist played a key role in Australia’s golden era but was not a regular captain; As a result, Taylor once again won the race. Meanwhile, Tilak Verma, Abhishek Sharma were left out as BCCI asked to include Rajat Patidar in the T20 squad.
Michael Clarke beats Mark Taylor and many big names
However, when Taylor was compared to Michael Clarke, Aaron Finch chose his former captain. Clarke successfully guided the Australian team through a period of major change following the retirement of several stalwarts.
Aaron Finch said, “Very good. 2015 World Cup-winning captain. Different era, completely different era. Michael Clarke.” The former Australian captain continued to support Clarke over Mitchell Marsh, Shane Watson, Tim Paine and himself.
Clarke led Australia in 139 international matches, winning 86 games, and rebuilt the Australian team with bold tactics, smart decisions and aggressive leadership.
He led Australia to the 2015 ICC World Cup title and a 5–0 Ashes whitewash in 2013–14, and helped them achieve the No. 1 Test ranking in 2014.
Ricky Ponting defeated Michael Clarke in the captaincy battle
But when Clarke was pitted against Ricky Ponting, Finch went with the great batsman and captain. Ponting is widely regarded as one of Australia’s greatest captains, leading the team to consecutive ODI World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007 and maintaining Australia’s dominance across all formats.
However, Aaron Finch chose Allan Border over Ponting. Border became captain in difficult times and transformed Australia into a fighting team that later became world champions. Finch also chose Border over George Bailey, Steve Smith and Pat Cummins.
Smith led Australia during a successful Test period, while Pat Cummins led Australia to major victories including the 2023 World Test Championship, the ODI World Cup title and the Ashes. The final comparison was between Allan Border and Steve Waugh. And Finch chose Waugh.
Aaron Finch chose Steve Waugh as the best Australian captain
Waugh was one of Australia’s most successful captains, leading the team during its golden era. Under his leadership, Australia became one of the most dominant teams in the world and achieved record-breaking victories in Test cricket.
Aaron Finch said, “Oh, damn it. Steve Waugh is like my golden days growing up. Influence on cricket. I’d go, Steve Waugh.” He won the 1999 World Cup and guided Australia to a record 16-Test winning streak. With 71.93% test win rate.
Ricky Ponting or Allan Border? Who is the greatest captain of Australia? PIC.TeawITeaTeaER.Cheym/YoulVVRhF9Dw
– Cricinfo (@cricinfo) JYoulthis 28, 2026