Steve Smith is set to lead the Australian cricket team once again during their upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. The decision comes as Pat Cummins, the current skipper, opts to stay in Australia for the birth of his second child.
The two-Test series is scheduled for January 29 and February 6, but Cummins, 31, has informed Cricket Australia that he will remain with his family during this important time. In his absence, Smith will step in as captain, a role he has held many times before.
While there were suggestions that Travis Head could be considered for the captaincy, reports from Code Sports confirm that Smith will take the reins. This move reflects Smith’s extensive experience and leadership credentials.
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Steve Smith’s captaincy journey has been eventful. He was removed as captain in 2018 due to the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa and was banned from leadership roles for two years. However, he returned to leadership in 2021 as vice-captain under Cummins during the Ashes.
Since then, Smith has stepped in as captain for four Tests, including leading Australia to a historic win in India in 2017. Now, he will have another opportunity to guide the team when they head to Sri Lanka later this month.
This leadership shuffle ensures Australia will have a seasoned leader at the helm while allowing Cummins the time he needs with his growing family.