Steven Smith Test Captaincy Comeback is Still Alive - Adam Gilchrist

Former Australia wicket-keeper batsman, Adam Gilchrist recons Steven Smith is still the best Test captain for the nation despite Tim Paine leading the side in his absence. Gilchrist further said Smith still has age on his side and will play long enough to complete an “amazing story of redemption”.

Smith’s captaincy return is on the cards – Gilchrist

However, Steven Smith is serving the 12-month ban imposed on him by the Cricket Australia over his involvement in the sandpaper gate in South Africa early this year. Along with him, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft are also serving their respective punishments.

Also, Gilchrist feels the captaincy comeback is very much on the cards for Steven looking forward towards the 2019 World Cup in England.

“I don’t think it’s out of the question that Steve Smith could possibly captain Australia again one day. He’s young enough and if he wants to play long enough, there’s every chance … Wouldn’t that be an amazing story of redemption. We all understood that he’s shown his remorse and his disappointment in himself and the damage that came out of that incident … Who knows down the track but it’s a long way off.” Adam Gilchrist said.

Moreover, Adam Gilchrist said he was quite happy, as Tim Paine managed to do both the work, keeping the wickets well and leading the Aussies simultaneously. The wicketkeeper-batsman left the former legend impressed with his duel ability.

I am happy with Paine too

“The few hours I saw he was outstanding, his glovework has been terrific. He’s pouched a few fantastic catches that many non-keepers would just think are meant to be caught but you’ve got to catch them, and he’s been terrific … I think his leadership has been really impressive,” Adam Gilchrist said.

“He’s the Australian captain, no one else is. He knows, and we all know it’s not about the talk, it’s about showing the actions, and I’ve been really impressed with his first couple of days,” he concluded.

However, Pakistan has been on the front foot in the Dubai Test. After hitting a mammoth total of 482 runs, as Australia’s first innings got out on 202 with debutant Bilal Asif triggering the collapse on day three.