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Cricket Australia (CA) is yet to appoint the new skipper after Tim Paine stepped down from the leadership role following the ‘sexting scandal’. While fast-bowling spearhead has been considered as frontrunner for the Test captaincy ahead of Ashes at home, former Aussie skipper Michael Clarke has warned his old teammate Steve Smith to take a step back and let the new captain take the control of proceedings on the field. Clarke believes that there should be only one captain on the field and recalled instances where Smith was seen changing field positions despite having Paine in the team as captain.
“He’s got to be careful Smithy (Smith) because he copped some criticism for doing that when Tim Paine took over the captaincy as well. That he was standing in slip waving his hands, moving the field. If he is vice-captain or even if he is not, he has got to be very careful. There can only be one captain on the field. That is what leadership is about as well, owning that. If it is Pat Cummins, he can take advice and guidance but then it’s up to him to be making the decisions,” Clarke told the Big Sports Breakfast.
However, the 40-year-old praised the modern-day great Smith for his contribution to Australia with the bat and suggested his former batting partner to continue scoring the bulk of runs.
“Since he’s come back, he’s helped this team win so many games of cricket. He has played a leadership role in the team and is doing a brilliant job. I think he can help the team more by supporting if it is Pat Cummins, scoring a truckload of runs and helping Australia win games,” Clarke added.
The first Test of the Ashes 2021-22 will begin on December 8 at the iconic Gabba, Brisbane. CA is expected make an official announcement about Paine's successor this week.
