Premier Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon said that Steve Smith and Pat Cummins are the two best candidates to become the next Australia Test captain ahead of the Ashes 2021-22.
Tim Paine stepping down as an Australia Test skipper, following his sexting scandal, has made Cricket Australia look for a new captain.
Being the vice-captain of the side, Pat Cummins can be the next Australian Test captain, but some reports suggested that Steve Smith is also in contention for the role and both the players were interviewed by Cricket Australia for the leadership role.
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Off-spinner Nathan Lyon feels that Pat Cummins and Steve Smith are the two candidates for the role in his eyes.
"I think you look at the two guys who have been interviewed by Australia for the two roles, I think they're probably the two best candidates in my eyes," ESPNcricinfo quoted Lyon as saying. Nathan Lyon.
Lyon recalled his experience playing under Pat Cummins for New South Wales in domestic one-dayers and said that the pacer did a good job and if he got the Australian Test captaincy then a lot of senior players will be around him to guide him.
“Playing under Pat at New South Wales cricket in the one-day set up last year, I think he did a really good job, to be honest with you. I know it's going to be a different kettle of fish, but he's got a lot of senior players around him to support Pat if he does get the nod," he said.
While talking about Steve Smith, Nathon Lyon said that the right-handed batter has a great cricketing mind and there’s no doubt his ability with the bat.
"But then you look at Steve Smith, I think Smithy is up there with the best batters in the world. He's got a great cricket mind and I've got no dramas with both of them putting their hand up for the captaincy, to be honest with you," he said.
Australia will next be seen in action on 8th December, when they will take on England in the first match of the Ashes 2021-22 at Gabba.
(ANI inputs)
