Steve Smith said that it is great to be returning to a leadership role within the team after he was announced as Australia’s new Test vice-captain with fast bowler Pat Cummins announced as captain.
Steve Smith has returned to a leadership role within the Australian team and he said that he is looking forward to assisting new captain Pat Cummins in any way he can. Steve Smith was announced as vice-captain of the Australian Test team on Friday while Pat Cummins was made captain.
Steve Smith Pleased To Return To The Leadership And Promises To Help And Assist Skipper Pat Cummins
“I am pleased to return to the leadership of the team and look forward to helping and assisting Pat in any way I can. Pat and I have played together for a long time, so we know our respective styles well,” said Smith.
Steve Smith had succeeded Michael Clarke as Australia’s captain in all formats in 2015. He was captain of the team when England last toured the country for the Ashes. However, his captaincy came to an abrupt end in 2018 amidst the Newlands (South Africa, 2018) ball-tampering scandal which resulted in him and David Warner being banned from all cricket for a year.
Steve Smith Made A Successful Comeback After Sandpaper Gate Scandal
Steve Smith has since made a successful comeback to the Australian team, scoring a whopping 774 runs and helping Australia retain the Ashes in 2019 in what was his first Test series since the ban. He was also part of the squad that won the T20 World Cup this year.
“I’ve been in a position for the last few years playing as a leader. Now to have the opportunity to be standing here next to Patrick with a formal title, I feel very honoured,” said Smith.
Steve Smith and Pat Cummins’ first task will be to lead Australia in the upcoming Ashes which starts in Brisbane on December 8.
“I think they’re (England) a very strong squad. I think England has some quality players. They’ve got a well-rounded side and I think it makes for an exciting series. We’re chomping at the bit to get out there,” said Smith.
Pat Cummins has been appointed as Australia’s 47th Test captain while Steve Smith has been named his deputy ahead of the home Ashes 2021/22 which starts on December 8 in Brisbane. Pat Cummins has been a professional cricketer for over a decade and played 252 matches across all three formats, but the extent of his captaincy experience is just four 50-over Marsh Cup games for New South Wales last season.