Ace Australian batter Steve Smith is set to lead the Test side in the upcoming two-match series against Sri Lanka. The decision follows the unavailability of regular skipper Pat Cummins, who will miss the tour due to the birth of his second child. However, Smith’s appointment has reignited debates within the cricket fraternity, with some questioning his leadership eligibility due to his involvement in the infamous 2018 sandpaper scandal.
Addressing the criticism, Steve Smith made it clear that external opinions do not bother him. He emphasized the trust and confidence his teammates have in him, which he believes is paramount.
“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,” Steve Smith remarked, as quoted by The Sydney Morning Herald.
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For context, Smith faced a 12-month ban from international and domestic cricket, along with other sanctions, following the 2018 scandal. He served his suspension and made a triumphant return during Australia’s opening match in the 2019 Cricket World Cup. Since then, he has steadily rebuilt his reputation as one of the world’s premier Test batters.
SL vs AUS 2025: Steve Smith, Australia Captain for Sri Lanka Test Series, Unfazed by ‘Sandpapergate’ Opinions, Says ‘People Have Opinion but I’m Comfortable in My Own Skin’@stevesmith49 #SteveSmith https://t.co/6N9unUkVsz
— LatestLY (@latestly) January 10, 2025
Smith is also on the brink of a personal milestone—becoming only the fifth Australian to reach 10,000 Test runs. Reflecting on his missed opportunity to achieve the milestone during Australia’s recent home Test, Smith expressed optimism about reaching the mark in the first Test in Galle.
“One run—it hurt a little at the time. It would have been nice to tick that off in front of my friends and family here at my home ground. But hopefully, I can knock it off first thing in Galle. It’s a cool milestone to tick off,” Steve Smith shared.
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Having stepped in for Cummins on four previous occasions since November 2021, Smith is no stranger to the leadership role. With 9,999 Test runs to his name, he is determined to lead Australia with distinction and add significantly to his tally during the Sri Lanka series.
