I Feel Very Honoured To Be Standing Next To Pat Cummins With A Formal Title, Says Australia's Vice-Captain Steve Smith

Steve Smith said that he will be assisting Australia‘s new Test captain Pat Cummins in every possible way as he returns to the leadership role being named Cummins’ deputy.

Following Tim Paine’s shock resignation last week, Pat Cummins, on Friday was announced as Australia’s 47th Test captain, with Steve Smith, who also had abruptly ended his captaincy stint in 2018 amid the ball-tampering event, named as the vice-captain.

“I am pleased to return to the leadership of the team and look forward to helping and assisting Pat in any way I can,” Steve Smith said.

Cummins, the world’s No.1 ranked Test bowler, becomes the first specialist fast bowler to be named Australia’s Test skipper since Ray Lindwall in a one-off Test in 1956.

Steve Smith feels “very honoured” to be alongside the lanky pacer and hopes to take Australian cricket forward.

“Pat and I have played together for a long time, so we know our respective styles well. We are also great friends, as is the whole group. As a team, we want to play good, positive cricket and also really enjoy each other’s company. There are exciting times ahead as we focus on the Ashes and beyond.

“I’ve been in a position for the last few years playing as a leader. Now to have the opportunity to be standing here next to Patrick with a formal title, I feel very honoured,” the talismanic batter said.

England got a well-rounded side and I think it makes for an exciting series: Steve Smith

The first challenge for Pat Cummins and Steve Smith is the home Ashes, which is less than two weeks away. Australia had hammered England 4-0 in the 2017/18 home series and drew 2-2 away in 2019 under Paine retaining the urn.

The England team has been bolstered by the return of Ben Stokes and has Joe Root in supreme form this year.

Steve Smith expects a tough contest over the 5 Test matches.

“I think they’re (England) a very strong squad. I think England have some quality players. They’ve got a well rounded side and I think it makes for an exciting series. We’re chomping at the bit to get out there,” the 32-year-old added.

The Ashes started on December 8 in Brisbane.

Also Read: IND vs NZ 2021: Twitter Reacts As Shreyas Iyer Scores Scintillating Century On Test Debut