Veteran Australia batter Steve Smith was elated to return to leadership duty after he was named the new vice-captain of the Australian Test team on Friday, November 25.
Smith also congratulated Pat Cummins on being appointed as the 47th Test Captain for Australia, while hailing the star pacer as a "tremendous leader" and saying the new skipper will do a "fantastic job".
The right-hander felt honored to work alongside Cummins as his deputy in Tests and said that he is looking forward to assisting the new captain in any way he can.
Notably, Smith had taken over from Michael Clarke as Australia's captain in all formats in 2015 but was stripped of the role in 2018 following his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.
He was banned from the game for one year and from leadership for two years.
However, Smith made a successful comeback as a batter across all formats for Australia after serving the ban and has been playing as a leader, but now he has a formal title.
As reported by India Today, Smith stated: “I am pleased to return to the leadership of the team and look forward to helping and assisting Pat in any way I can. Pat and I have played together for a long time, so we know our respective styles well.”
The new vice-captain added, “I've been in a position for the last few years playing like a leader. Now to have the opportunity to be standing here next to Patrick with a formal title, I feel very honored.”
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Well, Smith and Cummins' stints as Australia’s new Test vice-captain and captain will begin with the upcoming Ashes 2021-22 against England, starting with the first Test in Brisbane on December 8.
He signed off by saying, “I think they're (England) a very strong squad. I think England has some quality players. They've got a well-rounded side and I think it makes for an exciting series. We're chomping at the bit to get out there.”
