Can Steve Smith become Australian Captain again?

Can Steve Smith become Australian Captain again?

Steve Smith

The Aussies are once again in a fiasco of appointing a new Test skipper after the controversial exit of Tim Paine from this role. Cricket Australia (CA) has multiple options in front of them in the form of vice-captain Pat Cummins and ace batter Steve Smith. 

Notably, the latter was the Australia captain before Paine, however, he was sacked from this job after the infamous ‘sandpaper-gate scandal’. As per the latest advancements, the CA is stressing upon the name of Smith ahead of the all-important Ashes 2021-22, beginning from December 8 at The Gabba, Brisbane.

Fast bowling all-rounder Pat Cummins remains the prime option for this added responsibility as he’s already the deputy leader. But CA chairman Richard Freudenstein has stated that they have a bunch of names in front of them.

“There is a range of candidates who are available for that role, Steve Smith is one of the candidates that is available for the role,” said CA chairman Richard Freudenstein in a virtual press conference conducted by Cricket Australia (CA) following Paine’s resignation.

A glimpse at Steve Smith’s Test captaincy career

Steve Smith
Steve Smith

One of the greatest Test batters amongst the current lot, Steve Smith was appointed as the full-time captain of the kangaroos after the retirement of Michael Clarke, following Australia’s 3–2 defeat in the 2015 Ashes series. 

The right-hander did a decent job in the leadership role during his tenure of 34 Test matches. Out of them, he won 18, lost 10 and registered draws in six, which resulted in an overall win percentage of over 52. He also did a commendable job for his side in limited-overs formats 

“It’s understood the selectors were interested in the idea of Smith being able to captain should an injury or similar occur to Tim Paine, with the proposal given the board’s approval,” sen.com.au ran a story quoting Herald Sun.

Also Read | Tim Paine steps down as Test captain over ‘sexting scandal’; Australia name new skipper ahead of The Ashes