Michael Clarke Opens Up On Steven Smith's Captaincy Role

Former Australian legend Michael Clarke has backed Steven Smith to become captain of the Aussie team once again. Smith took over from Clarke as captain of the Australian side after the latter’s retirement in 2015. Under him, the team remained a successful side across formats, until he was stripped of the captaincy in 2018.

The ball-tampering incident in Cape Town changed everything, as Smith along with David Warner were handed 12 months ban for foul play. Pertinently, Cameron Bancroft had served a nine-month ban for altering the condition of the ball.

Ever since Smith’s return to international cricket, the right-handed batsman has been playing under the captaincy of Tim Paine in Tests and Aaron Finch in the limited-overs format.

However, Clarke in a recent interview revealed that he would love to see Smith lead Kangaroos.

Michael Clarke: Steve Smith has been a great leader

Clarke, who himself led Australia to the 2015 ODI World Cup title, has backed Smith to lead the national team once again.

Speaking to Sydney Morning Herald, Clarke said that Smith has been a great leader since his younger years.

However, any decision regarding this matter will be in Cricket Australia’s (CA) hands.

“He’s been a great leader since he was a kid, I’d love to see him captain Australia yet again. Whether he does or not will be up to Cricket Australia. But if he got the opportunity again he would thrive,” said Clarke.

Under Smith, Australia had become a formidable side until the infamous ball-tampering incident happened in South Africa.

The 30-year-old is currently one of the best batsmen in the world, and both Finch and Paine have been under the shadow of Smith as his leadership qualities were appreciated by everyone in the Aussie side.

Besides, Clarke has closely followed Smith’s career, as they both played together for New South Wales. Thus, him backing Smith to become skipper of the Australian team is big news for the latter.