Australia has a long and proud cricket history, filled with exciting moments and legendary players. They played in the very first Test match in 1877, the first One Day International (ODI) in 1971, and even the first Twenty20 international in 2005.
That’s right—Australia has been there at the start of every big change in the game!
In this list, you’ll find every captain of the Australian men’s cricket team across all formats. I’ve kept it simple, clear, and sorted so you can easily see who led when, how many matches they captained, and how successful they were.
Let’s get started.
Full List of Australia Cricket Team Test Captains
Australia played the very first Test match in 1877 and has had many great captains since. Here’s a complete list of leaders who have worn the baggy green with pride.
| Player | Span | Matches | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|
| P Cummins | 2021-2025 | 33 | 60.60% |
| S Smith | 2014-2025 | 40 | 57.50% |
| S Watson | 2013-2013 | 1 | 0.00% |
| M Clarke | 2011-2015 | 47 | 51.06% |
| T Paine | 2018-2021 | 23 | 47.82% |
| R Ponting | 2004-2010 | 77 | 62.33% |
| A Gilchrist | 2000-2004 | 6 | 66.66% |
| S Waugh | 1999-2004 | 57 | 71.92% |
| M Taylor | 1994-1999 | 50 | 52.00% |
| A Border | 1984-1994 | 93 | 34.40% |
| K Hughes | 1979-1984 | 28 | 14.28% |
| G Yallop | 1978-1979 | 7 | 14.28% |
| G Chappell | 1975-1983 | 48 | 43.75% |
| IM Chappell | 1971-1975 | 30 | 50.00% |
| WM Lawry | 1968-1971 | 25 | 36.00% |
| BN Jarman | 1968-1968 | 1 | 0.00% |
| BC Booth | 1965-1966 | 2 | 0.00% |
| RB Simpson | 1964-1978 | 39 | 30.76% |
| RN Harvey | 1961-1961 | 1 | 100.00% |
| R Benaud | 1958-1963 | 28 | 42.85% |
| ID Craig | 1957-1958 | 5 | 60.00% |
| RR Lindwall | 1956-1956 | 1 | 0.00% |
| IWG Johnson | 1954-1956 | 17 | 41.17% |
| AR Morris | 1951-1954 | 2 | 100.00% |
| AL Hassett | 1949-1953 | 24 | 58.33% |
| WA Brown | 1946-1946 | 1 | 100.00% |
| DG Bradman | 1936-1948 | 24 | 62.50% |
| VY Richardson | 1935-1936 | 5 | 80.00% |
| WM Woodfull | 1930-1934 | 25 | 56.00% |
| J Ryder | 1928-1929 | 5 | 20.00% |
| W Bardsley | 1926-1926 | 2 | 0.00% |
| HL Collins | 1921-1926 | 11 | 45.45% |
| WW Armstrong | 1920-1921 | 10 | 80.00% |
| C Hill | 1910-1912 | 10 | 50.00% |
| SE Gregory | 1912-1912 | 6 | 33.33% |
| MA Noble | 1903-1909 | 15 | 53.33% |
| H Trumble | 1902-1902 | 2 | 100.00% |
| J Darling | 1899-1905 | 21 | 33.33% |
| GHS Trott | 1896-1898 | 8 | 62.50% |
| G Giffen | 1894-1895 | 4 | 50.00% |
| JM Blackham | 1885-1894 | 8 | 37.50% |
| PS McDonnell | 1887-1888 | 6 | 16.66% |
| HJH Scott | 1886-1886 | 3 | 100.00% |
| TP Horan | 1885-1885 | 2 | 100.00% |
| HH Massie | 1885-1885 | 1 | 100.00% |
| WL Murdoch | 1880-1890 | 16 | 31.25% |
| DW Gregory | 1877-1879 | 3 | 66.66% |
Top 5 Notable Australian Captains in Test
Over the years, many legends have led Australia in whites. Here are five Test captains who truly made a lasting mark.
1. Steve Waugh
Steve Waugh is one of Australia’s most respected Test captains. He led the team from 1999 to 2004 and built a strong, unbeatable squad. His leadership was calm, firm, and full of belief. He encouraged a winning mindset, which helped Australia go on a record-breaking 16-match winning streak.
Waugh believed in mental strength and never backed down in tough situations. Under him, Australia became the top Test team in the world and earned a reputation for being fearless and focused.
2. Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting followed Steve Waugh as captain and kept the team’s winning habit alive. He led from 2004 to 2010 and is remembered for his bold decisions and sharp cricketing brain. Ponting was not just a great captain but also a top-class batsman who often led from the front.
He brought an attacking style of captaincy to Test cricket. Australia won many series under his command. Ponting’s leadership marked one of the most successful eras in Australian cricket.
3. Pat Cummins
Pat Cummins became Australia’s Test captain in 2021 and is the first fast bowler in many years to lead the team. He has shown great maturity, fairness, and smart thinking right from the start. Under him, Australia won the 2023 World Test Championship and retained the Ashes in England.
Even though he is a bowler, his understanding of the game has impressed everyone. Pat is seen as a modern, balanced captain who puts the team first and handles pressure very well.
4. Michael Clarke
Michael Clarke led the Australian Test team during a rebuilding phase from 2011 to 2015. He was stylish with the bat and sharp with his captaincy. Clarke took charge after tough times and quickly helped Australia become a winning team again.
He was great at setting attacking fields and planning smart bowling changes. Clarke also led Australia to a 5–0 Ashes win in 2013–14. His leadership was marked by strong performances, discipline, and clear direction for younger players.
5. Allan Border
Allan Border was captain from 1984 to 1994, a time when Australia was struggling. He stood firm when others couldn’t and slowly turned the team into a strong unit. Border was serious, determined, and never gave up, even when the team was losing.
He helped young players grow and brought pride back to Australian cricket. By the time he retired, the team was ready to dominate the world. Border’s tough nature and steady leadership laid the foundation for the success that followed.
Australia Cricket Team ODI Captains
From winning five World Cups to setting trends in ODI cricket, Australia’s captains have made history. Check out the complete list of them here.
| Player | Span | Matches | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|
| J Inglis | 2024-2024 | 1 | 100.00% |
| Mitchell Marsh | 2023-2024 | 9 | 44.44% |
| Josh Hazlewood | 2022-2022 | 1 | 100.00% |
| Pat Cummins | 2022-2024 | 17 | 76.47% |
| Alex Carey | 2021-2021 | 3 | 66.66% |
| Tim Paine | 2018-2018 | 5 | 100.00% |
| Aaron Finch | 2017-2022 | 55 | 56.36% |
| David Warner | 2016-2016 | 3 | 100.00% |
| Steven Smith | 2015-2025 | 64 | 50.00% |
| George Bailey | 2013-2015 | 29 | 55.17% |
| Shane Watson | 2012-2013 | 9 | 55.55% |
| Cameron White | 2011-2011 | 1 | 100.00% |
| Michael Clarke | 2008-2015 | 74 | 67.56% |
| Michael Hussey | 2006-2007 | 4 | 100.00% |
| Ricky Ponting | 2002-2012 | 229 | 71.61% |
| Adam Gilchrist | 2001-2007 | 17 | 70.58% |
| Shane Warne | 1998-1999 | 11 | 90.90% |
| Steve Waugh | 1997-2002 | 106 | 63.20% |
| Ian Healy | 1996-1997 | 8 | 62.50% |
| Mark Taylor | 1992-1997 | 67 | 53.73% |
| Geoff Marsh | 1987-1991 | 4 | 75.00% |
| Ray Bright | 1986-1986 | 1 | 100.00% |
| Allan Border | 1985-1994 | 178 | 60.11% |
| David Hookes | 1983-1983 | 1 | 100.00% |
| Kim Hughes | 1979-1984 | 49 | 42.85% |
| Graham Yallop | 1979-1979 | 4 | 50.00% |
| Bob Simpson | 1978-1978 | 2 | 50.00% |
| Greg Chappell | 1975-1983 | 49 | 42.85% |
| Ian Chappell | 1972-1975 | 11 | 54.54% |
| Bill Lawry | 1971-1971 | 1 | 100.00% |
Top 5 Notable Australian Captains in ODI
ODI cricket brought new challenges, and these five Aussie skippers handled them brilliantly. Here’s a look at the most remarkable ODI leaders.
1. Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting is Australia’s most successful ODI captain as well. He led the team from 2002 to 2011 and won back-to-back World Cups in 2003 and 2007. Ponting was known for his fearless attitude and powerful batting. He demanded the best from his team and often delivered match-winning knocks himself.
He led by example and never gave up during big games. Under his captaincy, Australia became a powerhouse in one-day cricket. Ponting’s clear thinking and hunger to win made him a legend of the limited-overs format.
2. Steve Waugh
Steve Waugh became the ODI captain in the late 1990s and led Australia to their first World Cup win in 1999. He was calm under pressure and believed in staying mentally strong during tight matches. Waugh made bold choices, like trusting young players, which often worked well.
He created a team that believed in itself. His captaincy style focused on fighting spirit, which helped Australia win crucial matches. Steve Waugh’s success in ODIs laid the path for the dominance that came after.
3. Michael Clarke
Michael Clarke led Australia to victory in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup. He was elegant with the bat and smart as a captain. His leadership during the tournament was calm, clear, and full of purpose. Clarke was very good at reading the game and adjusting tactics.
He often brought the best out of his players in pressure moments. After facing ups and downs during his captaincy years, lifting the World Cup at home was a proud and emotional end to his ODI career.
4. Aaron Finch
Aaron Finch led Australia in ODIs during a period of rebuilding after key players retired. He became captain in 2018 and gave stability to a side that needed guidance. Finch scored important runs and also backed young players with confidence.
He was calm and firm, and his players respected his leadership. Finch helped Australia reach the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup and kept the team strong in limited-overs cricket. His leadership was steady, thoughtful, and full of care for the team.
5. George Bailey
George Bailey captained Australia in ODIs and brought a fresh, friendly energy to the team. Though he wasn’t captain for long, his calm nature and team-first mindset stood out. Bailey was great at keeping things relaxed, even in high-pressure moments.
He led well during times when senior players were missing. His clever thinking and friendly attitude helped build team unity. Bailey’s leadership helped prepare a smooth path for the next generation.
Australia Cricket Team T20I Captains
T20 cricket needs bold thinking, and Australia’s captains have brought just that. Explore the complete list of all T20I skippers from 2005 to now.
| Player | Span | Matches | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|
| JP Inglis | 2024-2024 | 3 | 100.00% |
| Travis Head | 2024-2024 | 1 | 100.00% |
| Mitchell Marsh | 2023-2024 | 19 | 84.21% |
| Matthew Wade | 2020-2024 | 13 | 30.76% |
| David Warner | 2016-2018 | 9 | 88.88% |
| Shane Watson | 2016-2016 | 1 | 100.00% |
| Steven Smith | 2015-2016 | 8 | 50.00% |
| Aaron Finch | 2014-2022 | 76 | 52.63% |
| George Bailey | 2012-2014 | 28 | 50.00% |
| Cameron White | 2011-2011 | 6 | 33.33% |
| Brad Haddin | 2009-2009 | 2 | 50.00% |
| Michael Clarke | 2007-2010 | 18 | 66.66% |
| Adam Gilchrist | 2007-2007 | 2 | 50.00% |
| Ricky Ponting | 2005-2009 | 17 | 41.17% |
Top 5 Notable Australian Captains in T20I
Leading in T20s is never easy, but these five Aussie captains showed the way. Let’s meet the most notable names in T20 captaincy.
1. Aaron Finch
Aaron Finch is Australia’s most experienced T20I captain. He led the team in 76 matches and helped them win their first-ever T20 World Cup in 2021. Finch was known for his powerful hitting and calm leadership style.
He gave younger players chances and kept a positive team atmosphere. Finch was dependable in pressure moments and helped the team stay focused. His long run as T20 captain shows how much trust he earned from teammates and coaches.
2. David Warner
David Warner was the T20 captain for a short time but had an amazing record, winning 8 out of 9 matches. He brought fire and energy to the team, along with his fearless batting style. Warner liked to play aggressively and encouraged others to do the same.
Even though he wasn’t captain for long, his passion and sharp cricket mind made a strong impact. His leadership helped Australia stay strong and ready during important series.
3. Mitchell Marsh
Mitchell Marsh became the full-time T20 captain in 2023 and started with great success. Under him, Australia won most of their matches. Marsh is calm, positive, and always backs his players to do well.
He leads with quiet confidence and shows faith in the team. As a powerful all-rounder, Marsh sets a strong example on the field. His early success as T20 captain shows he has the skills to guide the team into the future.
4. Michael Clarke
Michael Clarke was Australia’s captain during the early years of T20 internationals. Though his time in the format was short, he gave a solid foundation to the team. Clarke used his experience from Test and ODI cricket to guide younger players.
He focused on keeping things simple and making smart decisions. Even though he didn’t play many T20Is, Clarke’s captaincy helped Australia take the format seriously in its early days.
5. George Bailey
George Bailey also captained the T20 team and was loved for his calm and relaxed style. He created a positive space for the team and gave everyone confidence to play freely. Bailey didn’t panic in tense situations and handled challenges wisely.
He gave many young players their first big chances. While he didn’t win big trophies, his leadership helped shape a strong and balanced T20 squad for the future.
Conclusion: Australian Cricket Team Captains Lead the Team with Pride
That’s the full list of all the men who have captained the Australian cricket team! From legends of the past to today’s stars, each captain has played a big role in leading the team with pride and passion.
Some had long careers, some led just a few games—but they all got the chance to guide Australia on the field. It’s fun to look back and see how the team changed over time and how each leader brought something new.
I hope you enjoyed this journey through Aussie cricket captaincy! Whether you’re a cricket fan or just curious, now you know who wore the captain’s hat for Australia.
FAQs
For captains with substantial tenures, Ricky Ponting (71.61% from 229 matches) and Pat Cummins (76.47% from 17 matches) have the most impressive records.
Aaron Finch holds the record for captaining Australia in the most T20I matches with 76 games between 2014-2022, achieving a win percentage of 52.63%.
Mitchell Marsh has been one of Australia’s most successful T20I captains with an impressive 84.21% win rate from 19 matches, significantly higher than his predecessors. This places him among the most successful T20I captains in Australia’s history.
Ricky Ponting has captained Australia in the most ODI matches with 229 games between 2002-2012, winning 71.61% of those matches. Allan Border is second with 178 matches as captain.
Several captains maintained 100% win records, mostly in brief tenures: Josh Inglis, Tim Paine, David Warner, Michael Hussey (ODIs), and Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Shane Watson (T20Is). Of these, Tim Paine’s perfect record across 5 ODI matches is particularly notable.
