Langer makes huge claim regarding Smith's Australia captaincy
What's the story
Australian batsman Steve Smith has been in a phenomenal form recently, especially following his run-scoring spree in Ashes 2019.
As a result, critics are wondering if the classy batsman could be handed back the captaincy reins.
Smith's year-long captaincy ban comes to an end in March 2020.
While he might be the favorite, coach Justin Langer feels otherwise.
Captaincy duty
Langer feels Smith might not want captaincy duty back
As far as regaining the duties of Australian captaincy for Smith is concerned, Langer feels that the former might not want it back, owing to the exhaustive effort he is putting in his batting currently.
"[It] is something we'll have to work out over time. I'll be one of the selectors, and I think we'll just work out what's best," wondered Langer.
Smith's Ashes records
Smith's records in Ashes 2019
Following are the records scripted by Smith in Ashes 2019:
- 10th consecutive fifty-plus score in Ashes, the first batsman to do so in Tests.
- Third batsman to score 750-plus runs in a series, having played six or fewer innings. Also, the third batsman to do so on multiple occasions.
- Scored most runs in 10 successive Ashes innings, surpassed Sir Don Bradman.
Paine's captaincy
Langer impressed with Tim Paine's Test captaincy so far
Speaking further on the Test captaincy, Langer has been vastly impressed by Tim Paine's Test captaincy of late, despite there being criticisms about the same during Ashes, and his batting as well.
"[He's] doing a brilliant job at the moment. He's been outstanding in his time as captain. However long he wants to keep playing for is another thing," Langer continued.
Backs Warner
Langer backs David Warner to return strongly despite Ashes howler
Langer also went on to speak about explosive opener David Warner, who endured a rough patch during the Ashes.
Nonetheless, Langer has backed him come back strong, especially following his return to form during the ongoing Sheffield Shield for New South Wales.
"He had a poor series against England, no doubt. That's just a fact, and he knows that," asserted Langer.
Quote
Langer hails Warner as a champion player
"But, he also hasn't lost his talent, because he was the highest run-scorer in the World Cup two weeks before the Ashes started, and he was the highest run-scorer in the IPL before that. So, he can bat. And, he's a champion player," concluded Langer.