Steven Smith is set to lead the Australian cricket team in their upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, which kicks off on January 29 in Galle. This marks the first time since 2017 that Steven Smith will captain an entire series, following his suspension for his involvement in the infamous Sandpaper gate scandal.
Despite the controversy that has followed him, Steve Smith is determined to focus on the task at hand, showing little concern for his critics. As Smith steps in for Pat Cummins, who is on paternity leave, he remains confident in his leadership abilities and his knowledge of subcontinent conditions. Steve Smith’s return to the captaincy comes during a crucial phase of Australia’s journey in the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Steven Smith’s stellar record as captain for Australia
It’s the Fab Four – Steven Smith, Kane Williamson, Joe Root and Virat Kohli—who are the flag bearers of modern cricket across the globe. They are the face of cricket and are regarded as the greatest players of modern cricket. Virat Kohli has put up unbreakable records and is without a doubt one of the greatest batsmen of all time.
Joe Root and Kane Williamson have been instrumental for their national teams, England and New Zealand, respectively. But the story about Steve Smith is different. He’s one of a kind, starting as a pure leg spinner in his initial days to becoming one of the greatest modern day batters in test cricket.
During the 2015 Ashes series in England, Steven Smith demonstrated his exceptional batting ability. He started with a double century at Lord’s, which was his highest Test score at the time. Although his performance dipped in the third and fourth Tests, affecting Australia’s overall performance, Smith finished the series strongly with a score of 143 runs in the final Test at The Oval.
Despite England winning the series 3-2, Steven Smith emerged as the top run-scorer with 508 runs at an average of 56.44. After Australia’s loss in the series and Michael Clarke’s retirement, Steven Smith was appointed as the full time captain of the Australian Cricket Team for Test matches. David Warner was appointed as the Vice Captain.
In 2018, a major controversy erupted during Australia’s tour of South Africa. Australian batsman, Cameron Bancroft was caught using sandpaper to alter the condition of the ball during the third Test. Smith admitted to being part of the “leadership group” that had discussed the plan to tamper with the leather ball.
This led to Smith and vice-captain David Warner stepping down from their roles. Smith was subsequently banned for one test and fined his entire match fee. Following an investigation by Cricket Australia, Smith received a 12-month suspension from all forms of cricket and an additional year-long ban from leadership positions. His contract with the Rajasthan Royals for the IPL was also terminated. Upon returning to Australia, Smith held a tearful press conference, taking full responsibility for his actions and apologizing to fans and his family.
He took over the captaincy from Michael Clarke in late 2015. His adaptability in different conditions, awareness of the cricketing scenarios, and clever field placements for different formats were amazing. Although he didn’t win any ICC event, he could think out of the box with his awareness to read the situation of a particular game, the opposition batsman’s technique and implement plans with the bowling changes. He consulted his seniors while making changes in the field. He brought the best out of an ordinary player.
He always had a backup option when changing the batting order as per the situation, bringing in the extra fielders inside the ring or placing an extra fielder at the boundary. His biggest strength was his clarity and prudency in his decision-making. Steve Smith led the side in 38 Tests: winning 21, losing 10, and ending 7 in draws.
Returning back to captainship role after 2018 for the Sri Lanka series in 2025, Steve Smith bluntly answered all the trolls surrounding his role as a captain coming in stand in for Pat Cummins who opted out due to paternity leave.
Steven Smith’s blunt reply to trolls before captaincy return in SL vs AUS 2025 Tests
Veteran Australian batter Steve Smith has responded to his critics, as he prepares to lead the national team in the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka in Galle. The 35-year-old said the team environment being in good shape remains instrumental to their success and that the outside noise hardly matters.
With Pat Cummins opting for paternity leave, Smith will lead the tourists in what will be their final leg of the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Although Australia have sealed their spot in the WTC final later this year, they will be keen to add another series victory to their kitty.
Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, here’s Smith’s response to a section of the Australian public not wanting his return as captain
“I mean, everyone’s entitled to their opinion. They can say whatever they like. I’m pretty comfortable in my own skin. [The environment] around the team has been good for a long time. I get on well with everyone inside. People are entitled to their opinion. They can say what they want.”
The 35-year-old copped a year-long ban from all cricket, given he was captain when the ball-tampering saga took place during the tour of South Africa in 2018. However, he has captained Australia on a few occasions since his captaincy ban ended a year after returning to the international arena.
The New South Welshman, who will turn out for the Sydney Sixers before the Sri Lanka tour, said he loves captaining Australia in the sub-continent, given how well he understands the tempo of cricket played in the region. In the same interview, he added:
“Any chance I get to take over when Patty’s [Cummins] not here is good fun. I try and still do things my way. It’s been cool to have a couple of opportunities here and there. It’s going to be a cool tour. I think I understand spin and the subcontinent really well in terms of angles and what needs to happen. Also, the tempo of play that needs to be played at certain times. I’m probably a bit more relaxed now. I’m pretty chilled and just laid-back. I’ll just enjoy it.”
Australia’s first Test against Sri Lanka begins on January 29 in Galle and Steve Smith personally on 9999 test runs would love to surpass the 10000 club alongside making his team win vs the Lankans at their own home.