With Clarke's body starting to fail him, Aussie selectors must start planning for life without the 33-year-old run machine.

Michael "Speedy" Stratton reckons he knows who should inherit the captaincy when Clarke retires, but The Area News sports editor Andrew Piva has his doubts about the candidate.

Andrew: Have you ever had an asterisk put after your name, Speedy?

Speedy: Let me think. I've had a black mark put beside it, but I'm not sure about an asterisk. How come?

Andrew: It's Michael Clarke. He had an asterisk attached to his name when the team for the first Test against India was named on Monday. It means he has to pass a fitness test on his hamstring before he can play.

Speedy: He'd be no hope. He only hurt it the other week.

Andrew: I agree, and let's be honest, it isn't the first time Clarke has missed cricket because of injury. His dodgy back isn't getting any better, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him pull the plug next year.

Speedy: Retire? You reckon?

Andrew: Yep. The only thing that worries me about that -  other than losing Clarke's talents as a batsman - is that we don't seem to have a natural successor as captain. Brad Haddin is second in command at the moment, but he's hardly a long-term option.

Speedy: I've got one for you.

Andrew: Who?

Speedy: Steve Smith.

Andrew: What? Are you off your medication?

Speedy: What's wrong with him? I like Smith. I reckon he's got a good cricket brain.

Andrew: Perhaps, but he's so fidgety when he's at the crease. He touches himself more than a lonely teenage boy. He doesn't fill me with confidence.

Speedy: What about Dave Warner then?

Andrew: Warner? I love him as a batsman, but I don't know if he has the temperament to be captain. I'm worried he might slug someone at the toss if he calls it wrong.

Speedy: Well, if you don't like Smith and Warner, who do you like? There isn't really anybody else.

Andrew: That's true. Maybe Steve Waugh can come out of retirement. There's nothing he can't do if he has his lucky red snot rag in his pocket.

Speedy: Keep dreaming. Hey, who's batting at three for Australia?

Andrew: They haven't said yet, but it will almost certainly be Shane Watson ... unfortunately.

Speedy: You have a problem with Watson as well? Is there anyone in this team you like?

Andrew: Look, I've got nothing against Watson as a batsman, but I don't think he's first drop material.

Speedy: I think he goes all right. He plays pace and spin pretty good.

Andrew: He does, but he has problems scoring centuries. He's had a rougher time in the 90s than Kurt Cobain.

Speedy: Who?

Andrew: Kurt Co ... it doesn't matter. I saw selectors picked your favourite spinner, Nathan Lyon.

Speedy: I don't know what you're talking about. I don't rate him at all.

Andrew: I know. I was being sarcastic. For once I agree with you. I'm not Nathan Lyon's biggest fan either. They should put Cameron Boyce in the side and see how he goes.

Speedy: It wouldn't be a bad idea. When do they go to England again? Next year? The Ashes are what it's all about for me. That's the ultimate.

Andrew: Do you remember much about the first Ashes series in 1882-83? Was it cold? Was there room to park your horse and cart at the ground?

Speedy: Don't be cheeky.