Justin Langer says Steve Smith is “doing all the right things” in showing leadership despite being overlooked for the national captaincy in Sunday’s T20I against India.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Matthew Wade became Australia’s 11th T20 captain, replacing the injured Aaron Finch who hurt his glute in the series opener in Canberra.
Speaking to Fox Cricket before the second T20I in Sydney, Langer explained why Wade got the nod over Smith.
“Matty Wade was the vice-captain, Steve Smith has done a brilliant job in the past, there is a process probably to go through until he becomes captain again,” the Australian head coach said.
“We’ll go through that.
“When the English crowd gave him a standing ovation at the Oval last year — you talk about earning respect and earning back respect — it was one of the fondest moments of my coaching career.
“He is doing all the right things to show leadership without a title at the moment."
Smith, 31, hasn’t captained Australia since the infamous ball-tampering saga in March 2018.
India took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series thanks to a thrilling six-wicket win with two balls to spare.
It's now 2 and a half years since the infamous Cape Town incident.
— Garry and Tim (@SENBreakfast) December 6, 2020
Are you ready to see Steve Smith captain Australia in any of the three formats again?