'I would love to see Steve Smith captain Australia again' - Michael Clarke

Former Australia skipper Micheal Clarke is hoping to see Steve Smith captain the Australian side soon yet again. Smith who was named captain of Australia, after Clarke had announced his retirement after the 2015 Ashes series in England went on to lead the Australian side in ODIs and Test matches.

Smith was a perfect replacement after Clarke, to lead the Australian side and the right-handed batsman proved his mettle as a captain and as under his leadership, Australia remained one of the top sides in the world.

Then, came the ball-tampering saga in South Africa were Smith along with David Warner and Cameron Bancroft were banned for 12 long months. Cricket Australia then decided to strip Steve Smith from captaincy and since his comeback, he has played under the leadership of Tim Paine in Tests and Aaron Finch in the shorter formats.

‘Smith has been a great leader’: Michael Clarke

Smith, who is currently one of the best batsmen in the world, will always have an influence in the Australian squad. Tim Paine and Aaron Finch have always remained under the shadow of Smith, as his leadership was well appreciated by everyone during his captaincy tenure.

Micheal Clarke who has closely followed Smith’s career from the time both played together for New South Wales, believes that Smith should again captain Australia. In an interview with Sydney Morning Herald, Clarke stated that Smith since the young age has always been a great leader.

“He’s been a great leader since he was a kid, I’d love to see him captain Australia yet again. Whether he does or not will be up to Cricket Australia. But if he got the opportunity again he would thrive,” said Clarke.

From a very young age, Smith was always considered to be someone who will lead Australia for many years. He got a taste of captaincy for the first time in 2012 when he was named the Sydney Sixers skipper in the Big Bash by coach Trevor Bayliss and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin when he was just 22 years old.

Smith after leading the Sixers to victory against Perth, recalled on Thursday how that summer helped him to improve his cricket and himself.

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