Ashes 2021-22: Had Fun This Week, Enjoyed Captaincy - Steve Smith After Adelaide Victory

Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith said that he enjoyed his return to captaincy even though it was only for a single game. Regular captain, Pat Cummins, was ruled out of the game because of a covid-19 scare.

Cummins was at the same hotel as a covid positive person and he had to isolate himself. As a result, vice-captain, Smith, was given the reins and he led the side well in the comfortably 275-run victory at the Adelaide Oval.

“I had fun this week, enjoyed it, and the guys played well, controlled the game from the first day, and declared where we wanted to declare, and bowl where we wanted to bowl. Mitchell Starc was exceptional and led the attack really well.”

“He summed it up quickly, not a great deal of swing so bashed a good length, across the right-handers, in great rhythm and proud of how he went about his business. I wouldn’t say nervous, Buttler showed some resistance, he’s normally a bit of a dasher, but plenty of time and we thought a couple of good balls, a couple of wickets,” Smith said after the win.

“Held him back as long as I could” – Steve Smith on Cameron Green

When asked why Cameron Green didn’t come on to bowl on Day 5 until late in the second session, Smith said it’s a matter of managing the workload as the youngster has been at it for a while.

“Cam Green, the guys inside didn’t want him to bowl at all, manage his workload, held him back as long as I could. Ideally, we wouldn’t have bowled him today,” Smith mentioned. The 32-year-old also mentioned that out-of-form Marcus Harris needs to put his head down and dig deep to get results.

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