Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has warned Steve Smith about his proclivity for being overly directive in his coaching. If Smith is not selected as Test captain, Clarke believes he should be cautious about the type of leadership role he will take on as a senior.
Pat Cummins and Steve Smith are two of the leading candidates to succeed Tim Paine as Australia’s Test captain. A vacancy created by his retirement following the sexting incident. A Cricket Australia (CA) panel recently interviewed the two.
“He’s got to be careful Smithy, because he copped some criticism for doing that. When Tim Paine took over the captaincy as well. That he was standing in slip waving his hands, moving the field. If he is vice-captain or even if he is not, he has got to be very careful. There can only be one captain on the field. That is what leadership is about as well, owning that. If it is Pat Cummins, he can take advice and guidance but then it’s up to him to be making the decisions.” Clarke said
Steve Smith
Clarke recalls being accused of scuffing up the crease during the Test series against India earlier this year. Following his involvement in the ball-tampering controversy, Smith’s decisions, according to the 2015 World Cup-winning captain, are scrutinized intently.
“I don’t think Steve Smith understands how extreme it is going to be. He got a tiny glimpse of it last summer against India when he scruffed the pitch and was called the biggest cheat on the planet. I don’t think he understands how heavy it is going to be on him.” Clarke elaborated
Paine succeeded Smith as Test captain in 2018, after the latter was suspended for a year for his role in the ball-tampering affair.
Read more: IND vs NZ 2021: Why aren’t Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the match today?
[…] Visit also: Michael Clarke has warned Steve Smith over his tendency to get too hands-on with his guidance […]
[…] Visit also: Michael Clarke has warned Steve Smith over his tendency to get too hands-on with his guidance […]