It's Exciting That Steve Smith Has Said He Wants To Be Captain Again: Nathan Lyon

Unlike mixed opinions from most people, Australia’s Test specialist and off-spinner Nathan Lyon has backed Steve Smith to be the captain again. The recent months have seen discussions taking intense shape around Steve Smith’s possibility of becoming skipper again, mainly due to Tim Paine’s and Aaron Finch’s ages. Nathan Lyon feels that if Steve Smith prefers to lead Australia, he should be allowed to.

In a recent interview, when asked whether he would be willing to captain Australia again, Steve Smith responded by saying he will be keen if there is an opportunity. With the 31-year old eligible to be a captain since April 2020, Cricket Australia has not considered that road, even for giving it for the short-term. Moreover, head coach Justin Langer also closed the doors on the right-handed batsman, placing faith on Tim Paine and Aaron Finch despite mixed results.

Nathan Lyon believes it’s exciting that Steve Smith wants to perform the job of captaincy again, having reflected on it over the last couple of months. The New South Wales spinner believes that Smith has learnt a lot being away from captaincy and he could have the position again, according to Lyon.

“It’s exciting that Smithy (Steve Smith) has said he wants the job again. I think over the last couple of years, he’s learned a lot about himself … but also about his captaincy as well. For him to come out and say that he wants it is exciting. He’s obviously learnt a lot and feels like he can do a great job again. If he wants it, in my eyes, he can have it,” Lyon said on the Unplayable Podcast.

When you’ve got people like Smithy in your changeroom, it can only help you: Nathan Lyon

The veteran off-spinner believes the youngsters can learn a lot by having someone like Steve Smith in their changeroom. Simultaneously, Lyon also hailed keeper-batsman Tim Paine, who is amongst the best captains he played under. The 33-year old wants the Tasmanian to keep going, keeping in mind the Ashes series at home later this year.

“When you’ve got people like Smithy in your changeroom, it can only help you. I love playing under Painey. He’s up there with one of the best captains I’ve played under. With him being up there as the best ‘keeper in the world in my eyes, I want him to keep playing, especially with such a big Ashes series just around the corner,” he added.

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