Smith ‘anxious’ if Australia’s captaincy opportunity presented itself again

Steve Smith has revealed that he is ready for another opportunity as captain of Australia should the opportunity present itself. Smith and the other protagonists of the 2018 Cape Town ball handling saga, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, received suspensions from Cricket Australia and the top two were also banned from occupying a leadership position on the team.

Smith, 31, returned to test cricket 18 months later with twin centuries in the 2019 Edgbaston test that opened the ashes and remains an indispensable member of Australia’s squads. However, until now, he had kept quiet about his captaincy ambitions.

“I guess now I’ve reached a point where, if the opportunity presented itself, I would be interested,” Smith told News Corp. “If it was what Cricket Australia wanted and it was the best for the team at the time.” It’s certainly something that would interest me. ”

In the wake of the sandpaper door, Tim Paine took over the probationary side by forging a strong partnership with new coach Justin Langer and retaining the Ashes. But with Paine now 36, with questions about his place on the team following a second straight home test series loss to India, the test captaincy is likely at stake. Paine, however, has not indicated that he will not walk away yet with the all-important Ashes defense later this year.

Pat Cummins, the best fast bowler and vice captain, is also in contention despite Australia traditionally refusing to hand over the captaincy to a bowler. Ray Lindwall was the last fast pitcher to lead Australia, for a test in India in 1956.

Cricket Australia has not given a clear indication of whether they would be comfortable with Smith’s return to the captaincy. Recently, during the series against India, Australia found themselves without white ball captain Aaron Finch and vice captain Cummins for the second T20I, but Smith was overlooked for the title role and the responsibility passed to Matthew Wade.

Smith admitted that he would have to live with the black mark of his petty crimes in Newlands, but added that he has grown from his experience.

“I will always have to live with Cape Town, regardless of whether I lead again or not. It is always there. Time continues to move on and I have learned a lot in recent years about myself and have grown as a human being.” . ”