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 one in Australian history.
The challenge became interesting as Finch had to choose between the captains who had a unique impact, from rebuilding the team during tough times to creating one of the strongest sides in Australian history. Even Finch was given his own option to pick during the challenge. Amid this, 4 reasons why Auqib Nabi wasn’t picked for India’s Sri Lanka Tests.
Aaron Finch picks Richie Benaud over Don Bradman
The challenge started with Don Bradman and Richie Benaud on ESPNCricinfo. Finch said, “Oh, I wasn’t allowed to say either of them. 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.
He was 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 played a key role in building a fearless Australian cricket culture. Chapell was one of Australia’s greatest ever captains.
When compared with his younger brother Greg Chappell, Finch still picked Ian Chappell. Greg Chappell was also a successful captain and one of Australia’s greatest batsmen.
Ian Chappell gets the best tag from Aaron Finch over Richie Benaud and Greg Chappell
Finch then went on to pick Mark Taylor over Ian Chappell as the best Australian captain. Taylor became Australia’s captain in the 1990s and played a key role in rebuilding the team after a tough period. Under Taylor’s captaincy, Australia became a dominant Test side.
Taylor was then compared with Adam Gilchrist, one of Australia’s greatest wicketkeeper-batters. 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. Amid this, Tilak Varma, Abhishek Sharma pushed out as BCCI asked to include Rajat Patidar in T20I squad.
Michael Clarke beats Mark Taylor and several big names
However, when Taylor was compared with Michael Clarke, Aaron Finch selected his former captain. Clarke successfully guided the Australian team through a major transition period after the retirement of several legends.
Aaron Finch said, “A very good one. 2015 World Cup-winning captain. Different eras, totally different eras. Michael Clarke.” The former Australian captain continued backing Clarke over Mitchell Marsh, Shane Watson, Tim Paine, and himself.
Clarke led Australia in 139 international matches, winning 86 games, and transformed a rebuilding Australian side with bold tactics, smart decisions, and aggressive leadership.
He guided Australia to the 2015 ICC World Cup title and a 5-0 Ashes whitewash in 2013-14 and helped reclaim the No. 1 Test ranking in 2014.
Ricky Ponting beats Michael Clarke in captain battle
But when Clarke was pitted against Ricky Ponting, Finch went with the legendary batter and captain. Ponting is widely considered one of Australia’s greatest captains, having led the team to back-to-back ODI World Cup titles in 2003 and 2007 and maintaining Australia’s dominance across formats.
However, Aaron Finch picked Allan Border over Ponting. Border became captain during a difficult period and transformed Australia into a fighting team that later became a world-beater. Finch also picked Border over George Bailey, Steve Smith, and Pat Cummins.
Smith led Australia during a successful Test period, while Pat Cummins has guided Australia to major victories, including the 2023 World Test Championship, ODI World Cup titles, and Ashes. The final comparison was between Allan Border and Steve Waugh. And Finch selected Waugh.
Aaron Finch picks Steve Waugh as the greatest 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 a record-breaking winning streak in Test cricket.
Aaron Finch said, “Oh, damn. Steve Waugh is like my heyday of growing up. Impression on cricket. I’ll go, Steve Waugh.” He won the 1999 World Cup and guided Australia through a record 16-Test winning streak. With a 71.93% test win rate.
Ricky Ponting or Allan Border? Who’s the greater Australia captain? 👀 pic.twitter.com/ulVvrhF9Dw
— Cricinfo (@cricinfo) July 28, 2026