Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes that the newly-appointed Test vice-captain Steve Smith will play a huge role in the side. The Aussie great also explained how Smith could help the new Test captain Pat Cummins ease his workload.
With Cummins’ appointment as Australia’s new Test captain, Ponting has expressed his concerns about whether the premier pacer will remain the same bowler that he used to be with the added responsibility of the Test captaincy.
He further said that it would be difficult for Cummins to keep bowling all the time, and if he decides to not over-bowl himself, then people could go on to say that, being the captain, he didn't use himself enough with the ball, and in this scenario, Smith will play an important role for Australia.
Ponting told cricket.com.au: “There were times I reckon last summer when they just had to keep bowling Pat. In Sydney and Brisbane, there were long spells when he looked the most likely to get wickets. The only concern I have is if it's the same again, where Pat's the standout fast bowler, is he going to keep bowling himself? Because the team is going to need it.”
He further added, “Or will he be worried about what people are going to think if he just keeps himself on the whole time? That's where the vice captain's role is really important in this whole thing.
Because it might go the other way that he doesn't bowl himself enough because he's getting physically tired. But sometimes you need someone to push you or direct you, and that's where I think the vice-captain is going to be important.”
On Smith's return to leadership in the Australian team, Ponting said that the star batter has suffered enough for his mistake – the 2018 ball-tampering scandal – and if Cricket Australia feels he is the right man for the job, then he is not surprised with his appointment.
Read Also: Tim Paine steps away from cricket for an "indefinite mental health break"
Ponting added, “We've all made mistakes. We all said at the time it was a severe penalty for all those guys – and it had to be, that's the way it was at the time. But it's a long time ago now.”
He signed off by saying, “He's played some great cricket since then and has not stepped a foot wrong with anything he's done in his life since then. So as far as I'm concerned, if Cricket Australia thinks it's okay, then I'm not surprised they have given him the job.”
(cricket.com.au inputs)
