Justin Langer feels Australian team has regained public’s respect after ball tampering scandal
Coach Justin Langer believes the Australian team has regained national respect, while Steve Smith has reiterated returning to the captaincy was “not on his radar” heading into the summer.
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Justin Langer believes his men have regained national respect as Steve Smith douses captaincy ambition and fears of friendly fire on return for Australia in Adelaide.
Having successfully rebounded from a one-year ball tampering ban, Langer says Smith has earnt a clean slate from the cricket family and second chance at leadership in the future.
Smith and David Warner will learn the extent of public forgiveness during Sunday’s Twenty20 clash against Sri Lanka. The pair haven’t played an international on home soil since their Cricket Australia playing sanctions expired last March.
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“They have made a mistake, were penalised and have come back brilliantly and it has been seamless and they have been brilliant,” Langer told The Advertiser.
Smith’s world has changed since last leading Australia in Australia — a one-day loss against England at Perth Stadium in January last year. Smith is “pretty relaxed” despite the anguish between home starts.
“It should be good, I can’t wait to play,” said Smith, whose previous home T20 international was against India on Australia Day 2016 in Adelaide. “Any time you walk out and play for Australia it’s a great honour, and to be back playing here in Australia.
“They love it down here and you only have to look at their Big Bash crowds the Strikers get and hopefully it is no different on Sunday.
“I am just excited to get started and look forward to a successful summer.”
Sandpaper-gate trio Smith, Warner and Cam Bancroft copped stick from English crowds from the start to end of this year’s Ashes tour.
Langer has detected a change in national mood since Australia’s 2019 World Cup semi-final finish and the way his men held themselves in retaining the Ashes.
“One of the great things it feels as if the sentiment is changing and people at least respect what we are doing and seem to be proud of the efforts,” Langer said. “We have to be on top of it every day.
“We have been talking about making the team proud of the Australian cricket team again and all I can say is if they can endure what they did in England then hopefully they can endure anything that happens here.”
Greats including Ricky Ponting, Mark Waugh and Mike Hussey want Smith to regain the Australian captaincy once respected Tim Paine relinquishes the role.
Cricket Australia chief Kevin Roberts has cautioned Australia “must crawl before it walks” in any leadership rehabilitation for Smith.
Leg-spin legend Shane Warne notes Smith is more valuable to the side as a batsman having blasted 774 Ashes runs at 110 in England.
Langer says “there is no reason why he couldn’t do it again” but Smith backed Test and limited-overs captains Paine and Aaron Finch to continue.
“It is not on my radar at all,” Smith said. “Finchy and Painey are both done terrific jobs. I am enjoying playing and pretty chilled.
“The body is going good, had a few hit-outs and ready to get back into it.”
Smith is ineligible to command an Australian side until next March, while Finch must pass a fitness Test on a side strain to lead Australia on Sunday.
Finch backed T20 vice captains Alex Carey or Pat Cummins to cover if required.
“The two vice captains are both well placed to do it. They will have no issue stepping in if need be,” Finch said.
Originally published as Justin Langer feels Australian team has regained public’s respect after ball tampering scandal
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