David Warner comments on leading Australia T20 side

Warner has led Australia to the tri series finals.

Steve Smith and David Warner | Getty Images

Explosive opener –David Warner, who is outstandingly leading Australia in the ongoing Trans-Tasman tri-series, in the absence of regular skipper Steve Smith, said his future leadership prospects in T20 cricket “will depend on how Smithy is going mentally with all three forms of the game”.

Recently, former captain and current assistant coach Ricky Ponting had said that it is quite difficult to lead the national side across formats but Smith said he is comfortable captaining in three formats.

The Australian side led Warner have already reached the final of the series even without Smith, who is taking a break after a grueling summer and will join the squad for the New Zealand tour.

It is known, that Australia hasn't been strong in T20 I cricket off late, but they have won six of seven games under the leadership of Warner, and now they rise to No.2 in the ICC rankings if they win Friday’s T20I encounter against New Zealand.

Warner told cricket.com.au, “That's obviously a question for Smithy and the selectors. It depends on how Smithy is going mentally with all three forms. He's said that he's happy doing all three forms and I respect that. I'm his deputy so I try and help him as much as I can so he's in the (right) frame of mind.”

He further said, “But it's quite a tough job. It's not just the cricket he has to deal with; it's everything else that comes with the game. I don't think people see that as often and it can be quite challenging. I try and do as much as I can and make sure I'm doing everything right with the boys to make his job a lot easier.”

Meanwhile, Smith had told reporters last week, “I certainly see that I've got a future in T20 cricket. I've done reasonably well in the IPL in the last couple of years and hopefully, I can do the same again and keep performing and putting my name up for T20 selection. I'm comfortable at the moment (captaining in three formats).

Steve signed off by saying, “Obviously, it’s been a while since I played a T20 international ... but I think I'll get the opportunity to certainly be available for selection in T20 cricket in the next year or so and hopefully be able to get some games in. In an ideal world I'd love to play every game. I don't really like resting, but to be fair on this occasion I think it's been the best thing for me. It's nice to know that if I do have a rest, Davey can step up and do a terrific job.”

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 15 Feb, 2018

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