Steve Smith in line to lead Australia again? Cricket Australia head drops BIG update

Former Australian captain Steve Smith, who was banned for two years from leing country after Sandpapergate scandal, h become eligible to captain nation from March 29, 2020. Since n, talks of Smith's reappointment has been doing rounds. However, it seems that Cricket Australia does t consider Smith as only player for role in future.

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Cricket Australia chairman opens up on Australia's captaincy prospects

Smith was banned from playing for Australia for a year whereas he was also handed a two-year captaincy ban because of his role in infamous ball-tampering saga in 2018. Wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Paine took over from Smith n and has done a terrific job whereas Aaron Finch has also been hugely successful as captain in limited-overs formats.

Recently, Cricket Australia chairman Earl Eddings opened up on potential captaincy prospects for Australia. While speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Eddings said that y have got three great captains in form of Meg Lanning, Finch and Paine. He ded that y have also got some great young leers coming through.

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Speaking about Smith's reappointment as captain of side, Eddings reckoned that it's t just about should Smith take over, it's about what's best overall. He furr said that Smith is a great young man who was a good captain during his time, however, he mentioned that before any succession re is planning in place which is something board hn't discussed yet.

CA chairman opined that over a period of time y have given a range of people options to be vice-captain like y did to Matw We. He reiterated that y are doing that because it gives m an opportunity to look at future leers of Australian cricket. Edding stated that y will be guided by recommendations of selection panel who according to him, always come back to board at right time with ir recommendations. Eddings assured that y will go through it in detail when selection panel comes up with ir suggestions. This could well be a hint from chairman that Smith, who is w d 31, is t overwhelming favourite and might t harbour ambitions to le side again 

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Meanwhile, Smith is currently playing for Australia in Border-Gavaskar Trophy where hosts won first Test in elaide to take a 1-0 le. According to India vs Australia schedule, second Test will start on Saturday, December 26 in Melbourne. Live-action of India vs Australia 2nd Test will commence at 5:00 AM (IST). Indian team will be without services of ir skipper Virat Kohli who is returning to India to be with wife Anushka Sharma for birth of ir first child. Ajinkya Rahane will le team India in Kohli's absence.

Steve Smith career stats

Steve Smith career stats in Test cricket make for a staggering re. In 74 Tests, Smith has mand to amass 7229 runs at an unbelievable aver of 62.3 with 26 tons and 29 fifties. Smith is one of India's biggest nemesis who has always h fruitful outings against India. Steve Smith vs India is a different entity altoger and his staggering numbers are a testament to it. 31-year old has played 11 Tests against India where he has amassed 1431 runs at a sensational aver of 79.50. Steve Smith hundreds count vs India is seven alongside three fifties.

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SOURCE: ICC TWITTER