Steve Smith, the former all-format captain of the Australian cricket team, can be reappointed as the skipper in the future but only after few ‘processes’ are followed, team’s head coach Justin Langer said after the hosts lost the second T20I under the leadership of Matthew Wade on Sunday.
Matthew Wade became the 11th player to lead Australia in a T20I game after regular captain of the white-ball format, Aaron Finch missed the game due to a glute injury. Matthew Wade led from the front and put Australia in the driving seat with his impactful 32-ball 58 knock. However, India chased down the 195-run target with 2 balls remaining.
When asked about if Steve Smith, whose 24-month leadership ban due to his role in the infamous ‘Sandgate’ saga ended in March this year, was considered to captain the Kangaroos in Sydney, Langer said that the management talked about “a number of things”. Langer added that before Smith regains the captaincy, “a bit of process” will have to be followed.
“Of course, we talked about a number of things,” said Langer to Fox Sports. “We’ve got so many options. Steve Smith has done a brilliant job in the past. There’s probably a bit of a process we need to go through until he becomes captain again. We’ll go through that.”
After Steve Smith’s 12-month ban ended there were speculations on how the general fans will welcome him back. The 31-year-old was booed initially before he forced the hostile English fans During 2019 Ashes to bow down to his brilliance. The right-hander amassed staggering 774 runs in just 4 matches of the series, scoring at an average of 110. 57. Steve Smith has also started to lead the IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals.
“When the English crowd gave him a standing ovation at The Oval last year – talk about earning respect … he’s doing all the right things to show leadership without a title at the moment,” Langer said about Smith, who had led Australia in 51 ODIs, 34 Tests and eight T20Is.
India have won the 3-match T20I series after taking an unassailable 2-0 lead and Matthew Wade is expected to lead the Aussies in the third game as well if Aaron Finch fails to regain match fitness.
