Why is it typically a top-order batsman who captains a side?
Otago and Wellington have gone a different way this season. Seamer Jacob Duffy is the Otago co-captain, while former international pace bowler Hamish Bennett leads the Firebirds.
Both teams are through to today’s Ford Trophy final in Dunedin, so there must be something in it.
Bennett thinks so.
"I honestly think it is a little bit of an advantage for a team because you don’t really captain the team when you are batting, you captain them when you are out there fielding.
"If you are bowling on the wicket and get a feel for it, then you can relay that information to your fellow bowlers and actually be a step ahead of the game.
"You feel as if you know the conditions and can pick up on cues easier than if you weren’t bowling."
Bennett was in tremendous form in the first-class tournament last season and the captaincy has not done him any harm this summer. He is the leading wicket-taker in the Ford Trophy with 24 victims at an incredible average of 14.91. He is one of the best death bowlers on the domestic circuit and his ability to strike has been invaluable for Wellington.
They are skills he hopes will earn him a call-up for the World Cup in England and Wales next year.
"I still think I can offer the Black Caps something that is different from what they have currently got.
"That is everyone’s goal at the moment and I’d love to have another shot."
Bennett has played one test and 16 ODIs for his country in a career stymied by injury. The 31-year-old right-armer has plenty of competition for wickets, with fellow strike bowler Ollie Newton having an impressive season as well.
The former Albion club cricketer has been a revelation since emerging for Wellington last year.
He is one of several fresh faces making an impact for the province.
Rookies Andrew Fletcher, Lauchie Johns, Jakob Bhula and Ben Sears have grabbed their opportunities as well.
Fletcher (612 runs at 61.40) has made a terrific start to his career. He has overhauled Michael Papps at the top of the Wellington list for the most one-day runs scored in a season.
