Former Australia captain Steve Smith gave an honest response amid speculations whether he can be reappointed at the helm, saying discussions did take place within the set-up on his possible return to the leadership post. 

Smith was sacked from his captaincy position over involvement in the 2018 ball-tampering saga and was also handed a leadership ban. But is now eligible to be reinstated in case the selectors and the management want to go down that path again. 

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"Discussions are sort of taking place. JL (coach Justin Langer) answered the question when asked about me and captaincy. There’s obviously a process that needs to be done," Smith said during an online news conference, as quoted by PTI. 

The captaincy is a point of discussion in Australia with Tim Paine, who took over from Smith in controversial circumstances, nearing the fag end of his career. 

"For me, I’m just happy to do whatever is best for the team and that’s the same going forward. I do whatever I can for the team. I’m comfortable where I’m at right now. But as I’ve always said I’ll do what’s best for the team," said Smith, who has played as a specialist batsman under Paine in Tests and Aaron Finch in white-ball cricket since his return to international cricket last year. 

Australia recently named Pat Cummins as their vice-captain across formats, with Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head also identified as leadership candidates. 

In the recent T20I series versus India, when Finch got injured, wicketkeeper batsman Matthew Wade led the side at the SCG. Head coach Justin Langer said at the time, "there is a process probably to go through till he (Smith) becomes captain again."

Smith, on his part, said he isn't fully aware of the process. 

"Not entirely (aware of the process). But whenever a captain is chosen, I think he has to go through a process. I’m sure, it won’t be too dissimilar. I’m not really sure," he said. 

"It’s probably more of a question for someone a bit higher up. But yeah, that’s all sort of said to me… And, yeah, I’ll just let it rest for now and, like I said, the guys at the moment have jobs and I’m really comfortable wherever things are."

Smith also said he isn't concerned over his slot in the batting order leading into the Test series as long not asked to bat below No.4.

The hosts have top-order issues to resolve with injured David Warner already out of the first Test, Joe Burns struggling for form and Will Pucovski recovering from a concussion scare. 

The situation has led some to advocate for the return of Shaun Marsh, Usman Khawaja while some have backed Labuschagne to be promoted at the top. 

"That doesn’t bother me too much. I’ve batted a fair bit at No.3. Three or four, any lower than four I wouldn’t be happy. Yeah anywhere up there I’m fine," Smith said.

"When you’re batting at No.3, sometimes you are even facing the first over of the game, that’s the sort of reality of batting there. So, someone at No.3 certainly could go up the top."

"I’m not sure whether that’s spoken about or not. But whoever bats wherever, they just have to do their job," he added.