I hope Steve Smith does captain Australia again: Tim Paine
What's the story
Australian Test team captain Tim Paine has said he will back Steve Smith if the latter returns at the helm once his captaincy ban ends in March 2020. Paine said he will be fully supportive if it happens "one day". Smith led Australia, before he was suspended for 12 months for a ball-tampering scandal in 2018. Here is more on the same.
Journey
The journey of Smith since the scandal
Smith and David Warner were banned by Cricket Australia from playing cricket for Australia for 12 months. Meanwhile, Cameron Bancroft was suspended for nine months by Cricket Australia. Smith was also handed a two-year ban from captaincy duties. The star batsman and Warner returned for the 2019 World Cup and featured in Ashes 2019. Bancroft was also part of the Ashes 2019 squad.
Smith's impact
Smith was the decisive factor for Australia in Ashes 2019
There have been calls regarding Smith being reinstated as the captain of the Aussie side once the ban is lifted. Smith was the decisive factor for Australia in their Ashes 2019 series against England. His 774 runs helped the side retain the Ashes after a 2-2 series draw. Meanwhile, Paine, who will be turning 35 in December, said he will support Smith.
Quote
I'll be fully supportive of Smith, says Paine
"I'm enjoying having the job at the moment... and I certainly hope Steve Smith does captain Australia again one day, and if he does, I'll be fully supportive of it," he told the Daily Telegraph.
Paine
Paine to lead Australia against Pakistan and New Zealand
Paine will not play in this season's Big Bash League (BBL). However, he will instead join broadcaster Channel Seven's commentary team. Although, Paine will lead Australia in the Test series against Pakistan next month and then New Zealand post that. Paine has faced criticisms of late regarding his form with the bat. He will want to do well against Pakistan at home.
Langer
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.