Former Test Opener and SEN Cricket Commentator Chris Rogers says that the Australian public should get behind Steve Smith after his last-minute recall to again become Test captain.
The former skipper was reappointed to the role after Pat Cummins was omitted at the eleventh hour ahead of the Adelaide Test due to being identified as a close COVID contact.
Rogers says that he understands if some people have an issue with Smith’s captaincy but believes he relishes leading the side.
“I think everyone deserves a second chance,” Rogers said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.
“We’ve all made mistakes…and you learn from them.
“He (Smith) has grown up a lot and he understands (the captaincy) a lot better.”
Several eyebrows were raised when Smith was appointed as test vice-captain, particularly from Shane Warne who believes his second chance after ‘Sandpapergate’ was simply playing for Australia again.
Rogers believes that Smith has already served his time in exile and has earned the right to return to leadership.
“You think that cricket is one of the most important things in the world and you just lose a bit of touch,” Rogers said.
“Unfortunately, Steve found that out the hard way.”
It was an odd moment during the night session when Smith walked out to bat on Day 1 when loud cheers were also heard amongst a chorus of boos.
Rogers concedes that Smith as captain has divided opinion.
“Certainly, the Barmy Army were getting stuck into Steve Smith,” he said.
“There was an amazing reception for him. It was one of the loudest of the day.
“You’re either for or against (Smith as captain).”
Smith would go on to make 93 in his first knock in Adelaide.
He’ll most likely get another chance to bat on Day 4 with Australia entering the day 1/45 as they look to set the English a mammoth fourth innings target.