The interaction between Black Caps coach Mike Hesson and recently dumped captain Ross Taylor must have been like watching a recipient of an unwanted Christmas gift straining to make all the right noises of appreciation until enough time had passed for it to be exchanged.
At least most people who receive a knitted jersey from their distant aunt on Christmas Day wait until the festive season is over before they chuck it unceremoniously in the Salvation Army clothing bin. Hesson couldn't even wait until the end of the tour to let Taylor know he was unwanted.
Since then, there has been a lot of debate and discussion about whether criticism of Taylor's captaincy was warranted, and whether the process of ''changing guards'' was fair and appropriate.
Whether we agree with it or not, Taylor's captaincy was not ''trendy'' this season and has been exchanged for the McCullum version. Taylor's batting ability has been outstanding but it appears this wasn't enough to overshadow issues with his communication style.
Very few captains, irrespective of the sport, hit the ground running and command respect and instil confidence in everything they do and say from the very beginning of the tenure. Even Richie McCaw was not always invincible and confident as a captain.
Even if an individual has the personality, characteristics and moral fibre of a leader they don't necessarily make great captains. It takes time to learn how to lead a team in that capacity, and much of that learning comes from mistakes made, constructive feedback received, and ongoing development offered over time.
Taylor admits he wasn't up to scratch as a captain but he claims he was willing to work on his weaknesses.
Hesson, however, wasn't willing to wait and sought the backing of his board to make the transition from Taylor to McCullum official.
Is this because no-one believed his communication style would adapt? Was he a non-malleable individual who couldn't be persuaded to change his ways with the team?Those who originally appointed him must have seen some leadership/captaincy potential in Taylor but that no longer matters. The damage has been done.
Since the New Zealand Cricket organisation seems to be in disarray, is it time to stir up a bit more of a hornet's nest?Why is it that two players of Polynesian descent have been marginalised in New Zealand cricket, even though they are talented and gifted as cricketers and possibly leaders?A friendly phone call from McCullum wasn't even enough to entice Jesse Ryder out of his self-imposed hiatus from international cricket, and Taylor has decided to have some time out from a team and coach that have no faith in him.
McCullum has a tough job ahead of him and one person who should pay attention to the demise of Taylor and the performance of McCullum is newly appointed captain of the Blues rugby team, Ali Williams.
Williams definitely has seniority, experience and passion for the Blues on his side but will he be able to put aside his tomfoolery and inspire his young side?The role of a captain can be a weighty one, and most of the time being the life of the party isn't conducive to good captaincy.
Unlike Taylor, Williams' form is also questionable due to ongoing injuries, so he has a lot to prove to his subordinates, superiors and supporters if he is going to prove he can step up and take responsibility.
I suggest Ali give Ross and Brendon a ring and chew the fat over the ups and downs of leading a team and convincing others you can do the job.
At least for now, Ali, unlike Ross, has the full support of his coach, so he should enjoy that while it lasts.
