The issue of Smith’s leadership came up again when Aaron Finch was injured during the T20I against India.
Steven Smith has indicated that the issue of him as Australia captain came up again when Aaron Finch was injured in the T20I series against India, but he is not yet fully aware of the steps that need to be taken to regain the role.
When Finch was ruled out for the second T20I in Sydney, Matthew Wade took over as Australia’s captain for the first time, in the absence of Vice Captain Pat Cummins, and coach Justin Langer said there was “a process” that needed to go away. before Smith could lead again following his loss of the captaincy after the ball handling scandal in 2018.
Tim Paine’s success with the test side, and indications that he wants to lead the team to at least next year’s Ashes series, plus improvements in Australian white ball cricket under Finch’s leadership, they mean there is no rush for selectors and players. Cricket Australia board to make a decision.
“There were discussions,” Smith said. “I think JL [Langer] He answered the question when asked about me and the captaincy and stuff. Obviously, there is a process that must be done. For me, I just said that I am happy to do what is best for the team and that is the same going forward.
“Right now, Tim and Finchy are doing a very good job in both formats of the game. I feel comfortable where I am now, but as I’ve always said, I’ll do my best for the team.
“I think every time a captain is chosen, I think you go through a process where you go to the board and things like that, so I’m sure it won’t be much different. It’s probably more of a question for someone a little higher up. That’s all I’ve been told and, yes, we’ll let it rest for now. “
One of the challenges Australia could face when replacements are finally needed for Finch and Paine is the relative lack of captaincy experience among potential replacements other than Smith.
Current vice captain Cummins hasn’t had a chance to be captain at the state level and is unlikely to do so given the limited number of games he plays for New South Wales. Marnus Labuschagne, who has been touted as another option, also has no captaincy experience.
Travis Head, who recently lost the joint vice-captaincy job, leads South Australia and captained Australia A in the recent tour game against the Indians. Alex Carey will lead the team in the second SCG game starting Friday.
Andrew McGlashan is deputy editor of ESPNcricinfo
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