Australian batter Steve Smith has expressed his excitement on his return as a Test captain. Smith has been announced as the skipper for Australia’s two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, slated to be played from January 29 to February 10 in Galle.
Smith’s induction comes due to Pat Cummins being on a paternity leave ahead of the birth of his second child and likely an ankle injury. Along with Cummins, the side will miss the services of Josh Hazlewood, who has sustained a calf injury. However, the presence of Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland will keep the team in good stead.
The veteran batter was handed a two-year leadership ban in 2018, after he was involved in a sandpapergate scandal against South Africa in Newlands. However, he has led the Test team four times since his ban was lifted – England in Adelaide (2021), West Indies in Perth (2022), and two away Tests against India in 2023.
In an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald, Steve Smith stated that he is well-equipped to handle the pressure and help a relatively younger squad to do well in subcontinent conditions.
“It’s going to be a cool tour. I think I understand spin and the subcontinent really well in terms of angles and what needs to happen. Also, the tempo of play that needs to be played at certain times. I’m probably a bit more relaxed now. I’m pretty chilled and just laid-back. I’ll just enjoy it.”
However, a section of the Australian public have criticized the decision to reinstate Smith as a Test captain, due to his involvement in the 2018 scandal. Upon being asked about the matter, Smith thinks everyone has the right to have their opinion and that he is undeterred by his critics.
“I mean, everyone’s entitled to their opinion,” Steve Smith said. “They can say whatever they like. I’m pretty comfortable in my own skin. [The environment] around the team has been good for a long time. I get on well with everyone inside. People are entitled to their opinion. They can say what they want.”
How did Australia fare under Steve Smith on their last Tour to Sri Lanka?
Australia last visited Sri Lanka for a three-match Test series in July-August 2016, with Steve Smith being the captain of the side. The series began with Sri Lanka securing a 106-run victory and followed it up with a 229-run win in the second game.
Although, the Smith-led side put up a strong fight in the final test by securing a 24-run first-innings lead, the Sri Lankan team managed to win the game by 163 runs. As a result, they completed a 3-0 series whitewash.
Steve Smith emerged as Australia’s finest batter with 247 runs in six innings, with a top score off 119. However, the rest of the batters couldn’t be as proficient as him to avoid a series whitewash.
With a good form and a relaxed mindset, Smith would look to end the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle on a strong note. Then, the side would lock horns with South Africa in the WTC final.
