Steve Smith places hand as much as captain Australia once more if given probability

Three years after his ignominious exit as Australia’s captain within the wake of the ball-tampering scandal, Steve Smith has mentioned he’s eager and able to lead the nationwide aspect once more if a chance got here his manner.
Smith, one of many world’s greatest up to date batsmen, was suspended from worldwide cricket for 12 months and banned from management roles for 2 years for his function within the “sandpaper-gate” scandal in Cape Town in March, 2018.
After Smith’s ban, Tim Paine took over the reins of Australia’s Test aspect whereas Aaron Finch was handed the captaincy of the white-ball codecs.
“I’ve certainly had a lot of time to think about it and I guess now I’ve got to a point where if the opportunity did come up again, I would be keen,” Smith instructed News Corp.
“If it was what Cricket Australia wanted and it was what was best for the team at the time, it’s certainly something I would be interested in now, that’s for sure.”
The scandal centred round Smith, his deputy David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, who was caught on digicam trying to alter the situation of the ball utilizing sandpaper, and it plunged Australian cricket into disaster.
Paine has since led Australia’s Test aspect with distinction, however with the wicketkeeper-batsman turning 37 by the point he captains the hosts within the Ashes sequence in opposition to England on the finish of 2021, a transparent succession plan can be required.
Few gamers have higher credentials to succeed Paine than the 31-year-old Smith however it has been quick bowler Pat Cummins who has been nurtured prior to now as Australia’s vice-captain.
“I’m always going to have to live with Cape Town regardless of whether I lead again or not. It’s always there,” Smith mentioned. “I’ve been via all that now.
“Time retains transferring ahead, and I’ve learnt a lot the previous few years about myself and grown as a human being. I really feel as if I’d be in a greater place if the chance did come up.
“If it doesn’t, that’s fine as well and I’d support whoever is in charge the same way I’ve supported Tim and Finchy. I haven’t always felt like I wanted to do it again. That’s only come in the last little bit.”