After getting the opportunity to lead the Australian Test team this week, Steve Smith on Friday (December 17) said he always felt that he had the support of the Australian public.

Notably, Smith was seen as the biggest villain in the wake of the ball-tampering scandal in March 2018. He served one-year playing suspension and two-year leadership ban before being handed the leadership responsibilities once again.

Last month, Cricket Australia (CA) named Smith vice-captain of the Test team to new skipper Pat Cummins after Tim Paine stepped down from the position over sexting scandal.  

As it turned out, Smith got the chance to lead Australia for the first time in nearly four years in the ongoing second Ashes Test at Adelaide with Cummins being ruled out hours earlier over a COVID-19 scare.

"I woke up... I looked at my phone and saw two missed calls from Patty and a message from JL (coach Justin Langer) saying, 'Are you awake?'" Smith told cricket.com.au.

"I wanted to lead the side in Patty's absence and continue on what he started last week," he added, referring to Australia's thumping nine-wicket victory in the opening Ashes Test.

"I'm looking forward to working with Patty in the future and helping him in any way that I can grow as a leader, and help the team have success."

Despite his past, Steve Smith remains a fan-favorite and he was given a standing ovation when he walked out to bat on Day 1 at the Adelaide Oval.

"I always felt like I had the support of people here in Australia and it's always special when you lead your country," he said.

After winning the toss in the pink-ball Test, Smith opted to bat first and saw his team pile up 473/9 (declared) in their first innings. The stand-in skipper himself contributed a fine 93 and declared the innings in the final session on Day 2 to give his bowlers a chance to take some wickets.

It turned out to be a good move as the visitors were reeling at 17/2 before early Stumps were called on Day 2.

(With AFP inputs)