Former Australia speedster Mitchell Johnson has opened up on Steve Smith’s appointment as captain for the upcoming Sri Lanka
Tests. Johnson felt it was a backward step, with Australia wasting an opportunity to try a long-term option. With Pat Cummins opting to skip the two-match Test tour, Cricket Australia chose Smith to lead the side as well.

Writing in his column for The Nightly, he shared, “As for the decision to bring back Steve Smith as Test captain in Sri Lanka after his one-year suspension and two-year leadership ban over the ball-tampering saga, I can understand the scepticism. While many fans admire his leadership, I’m among those who have reservations about him being resurrected at 35. It feels like a backward step, and while my opinion does not change the outcome, it’s frustrating to see choices that don’t seem aligned with long-term team development,” Johnson wrote.

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Steve Smith has led Australia in 38 Tests, winning 21 and losing 10. However, under his captaincy, Australia lost 3-0 in Sri Lanka in 2016 as well. During a recent interview with The Sydney Morning Herald, Smith said everyone shared their opinion about his captaincy.

“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. 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.”