The Ashes: Look forward to assisting Pat Cummins, pleased to return to leadership, says Steve Smith

Steve Smith has returned to a leadership role within the Australian team and he said that he is looking forward to assisting new captain Pat Cummins in any way he can. Smith was announced as vice-captain of the Australian Test team on Friday while Cummins was made captain.

“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,” said Smith.

Smith had succeeded Michael Clarke as Australia’s captain in all formats in 2015. He was captain of the team when England last toured the country for the Ashes. However, his captaincy came to an abrupt end in 2018 amidst the Newlands ball-tampering scandal which resulted in him and David Warner being banned from all cricket for a year.

Smith has since made a successful comeback to the Australian team, scoring a whopping 774 runs and helping Australia retain the Ashes in 2019 in what was his first Test series since the ban. He was also part of the squad that won the T20 World Cup this year.

“I’ve been in a position for the last few years playing as a leader. Now to have the opportunity to be standing here next to Patrick with a formal title, I feel very honoured,” said Smith.

Smith and Cummins’ first task will be to lead Australia in the upcoming Ashes which starts in Brisbane on December 8.

“I think they’re (England) a very strong squad. I think England have 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,” said Smith.