Lyon also hailed Tim Paine as one of the best captains he has played under.
Veteran Australian spinner Nathan Lyon has backed the ace batsman Steve Smith for Australia’s captaincy again, saying it is exciting to hear him talking about wanting to lead the country again.
Ever since Australia's defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2020-21 against India at home, there have been a lot of calls to replace Tim Paine with some suggesting Pat Cummins' name as Test captain, but Smith has thrown his name in the hat as well, looking for another possible opportunity to captain Australia.
The ace batsman had also openly expressed his desires to lead Australia again. He was removed as Australia captain following his involvement in the Sandpaper Gate incident in Cape Town in March 2018.
As reported by cricket.com.au, Lyon told The Unplayable Podcast: “It's exciting that Smithy has said he wants the job again. I think over the last couple of years he's learned a lot about himself ... but also about his captaincy as well. For him to come out and say that he wants it is exciting. He's obviously learned a lot and feels like he can do a great job again. If he wants it, in my eyes he can have it.”
He added, “Paine is the current captain and this is the way he wants to run the ship, and credit to Smithy, I think he's been very respectful in that way. There's been times, where Smithy has been able to pass on his knowledge - (he) has a great cricket brain and can see the game different to most people.”
Following the Test series loss to India earlier this year, Paine coped with severe criticism and the experienced spinner has backed the Test captain to continue his job while hailing him as one of the best captains he played under.
Lyon further added, “I think that's a great quality to have; when you've got people like Smithy in your changeroom, it can only help you. I love playing under Painey. He's up there with one of the best captains I've played under. With him being up there as the best keeper in the world in my eyes, I want him to keep playing, especially with such a big Ashes series just around the corner.”
He signed off by saying, “This time off, especially for the guys who only play Test cricket, is going to allow us to get fit, get focused, and make sure we're ready for when the summer comes around. Painey has all my support. He's not going anywhere in my eyes.”
(With ANI Inputs)