Cricket 2021: Steve Smith makes huge call on captaining Australia

He hasn’t always felt like doing it again. ‘That’s only come in the last bit’. But after three years of self-reflection, Steve Smith has put his hand up to captain Australia. | HAVE YOUR SAY

Steve Smith (R) says he’s ready to lead Australia again. Picture: Oli Scarff/AFP

Steve Smith has declared for the first time that he would happily return as Australian Test captain if selectors want him.

While pledging his full support to national skippers Tim Paine and Aaron Finch, and stressing he would have no problems if Cricket Australia ultimately look elsewhere for a successor, Smith says after three years of intense speculation, his feelings on captaincy have solidified to the point where he would be ready to lead again if called upon.

Smith admits he hasn’t always felt like he’d want to step back into the hot seat again following the trauma of the Cape Town ball tampering scandal, but the 31-year-old now believes he would be a better leader than he was before and would relish the responsibility of captaining his country if asked.

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Steve Smith says he’s ready to lead Australia again. Picture: Oli Scarff/AFP

“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 told 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.

“I’m always going to have to live with Cape Town regardless of whether I lead again or not. It’s always there.

“I’ve been through all that now. Time keeps moving forward, and I’ve learnt so much the last few years about myself and grown as a human being.

“I feel as though I’d be in a better place if the opportunity 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.”

Paine will lead Australia to this summer’s home Ashes, and Finch will hold the reins for October’s Twenty20 World Cup, but it’s clear a succession plan will soon need to be enacted.

Australia’s National Selector Trevor Hohns has already stated that his panel must start giving serious consideration to who its next captains will be.

Pat Cummins and Smith are the two obvious options but the process is complicated by the fact there are question marks that need to be answered with both men.

Cummins is a fast bowler and Smith has his prior history in the role, although Cricket Australia is yet to give any indication about whether they’d object to him leading his country again.

Steve Smith admits the Cape Town saga will forever follow him. Picture: AFP

Steve Smith with Ruby Fry, 13, Bobby McLennan,12, Freddie Robertson, 12, and Evie Bayot, 13, at Waverley Park. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Smith on Monday launched the Steve Smith Cricket Academy with its own YouTube channel, a venture aimed at inspiring the next generation of Australian cricketers, which has helped remind him how much he loves leading.

As well as his extensive work with Gus Worland’s Gotcha 4 Life mental health charity, Smith says if he gets another chance to captain Australia again, it will be as a more well-rounded leader.

“I haven’t always felt like I wanted to do it again. That’s only come in the last little bit,” said Smith.

“I certainly feel as though I’ve learnt a lot over the last couple of years. I feel like all the work I’ve done in particular with Gotcha 4 Life has been hugely beneficial and given me almost a different perspective on life outside of cricket.

Pat Cummins has been touted as a possible captain. Picture: Patrick Hamilton/AFP

“Before I was almost just solely cricket, and that was it. Having more life experiences and learnings over the last couple of years, I feel like I would be in a better place as a leader.

“I would try and be a bit more relaxed in the way I go about things.

“I’ve made strides in that area of my life.”

The Steve Smith Cricket Academy will primarily be hosted on a new YouTube channel to allow cricketers from Australia and overseas access to behind the scenes video content, tips, lifestyle and mindfulness content aimed at helping followers achieve a healthier lifestyle.

“For me, it’s a good chance to give back. Over the last year or so in particular being in quarantine a lot and just being in hotel rooms, it’s given me time to think about ways I can give back,” he said.

“Hopefully some young budding cricketers can learn some stuff from it and take some things out of it.”

Originally published as Cricket 2021: Steve Smith makes huge call on captaining Australia