Gooch: Butcher could captain England

Atherton has backed Butcher to be skipper

By Andrew McKenzie BBC Sport Online

Former England skipper Graham Gooch believes Mark Butcher would be a worthy future England captain.

But he would prefer Nasser Hussain to stay in the job, despite hints he will stand down after next year's World Cup in South Africa.

He always had talent, but he's more consistent now and making bigger scores

Gooch on Butcher

Marcus Trescothick and Michael Vaughan are thought to be the front-runners to succeed Hussain.

But Michael Atherton, Gooch's successor as England skipper, surprisingly backed Butcher to take over the role.

Atherton tips Butcher

Gooch voiced his approval of Butcher's qualities as a potential skipper.

"I think he would be a very viable alternative for the next captain, whenever Nasser Hussain decides to pack it in," he told BBC Sport Online.

"He's pretty astute when it comes to tactics. In my experience of dealing with him he's very much a thinking cricketer and on the tactical side I'm sure he could do a good job.

"From what I gather, when he's captained Surrey they have been very impressed with Mark and the way he has led the side on the few occasions he has done.

"He's come through some sticky patches and he's only really regained his place over the past 12 months but is playing pretty well.

"He has always had talent, but he's more consistent now and making bigger scores and that's what you need to do in Test cricket."

Feature: Three candidates to follow Hussain

But the Essex coach, who did not take over the captaincy until he was 37 and stayed at the helm until his 40th birthday, would be happier if the England captaincy were not an issue for the foreseeable future.

Hussain is thought to be considering his future

"I think he's doing a good job and he should stay on as England captain as long as he's in the form he is showing at the moment," Gooch added.

"The way he is playing and the way the team are operating under him and Duncan Fletcher, I think they could conceivably stay on for quite a while.

"We're an improving side, it was a disappointing result at the Oval but they can turn that round. I think they're making progress."

Gooch also feels Vaughan or Trescothick could be a good choice.

"I don't know about their qualities as leaders, but they are two very level-headed guys who could both be thought of as someone who could step up to the job.

"There are a number of qualities you need and it's very difficult to say who should be captain until you know when the time is going to be.

"It could be six months, it could be two months, it could be a year.

"I don't think it's always easy talking about who is going to do the job next when you've got a guy still in place doing a good job."

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