Share

Smith vows to lead from front

Sydney - New Australia captain Steve Smith has vowed to let his bat do the talking when he leads the team against New Zealand next month, while conceding he may drop down to number four.

Smith, whose blooding as Test skipper was delayed when a two-Test series in Bangladesh this month was called off over terrorism fears, said he fully understood his role.

"It is my team now, I guess," he told Fairfax Media in comments published Wednesday. "It's a really exciting time, a bit of generational change, some young players coming into the team and trying to build almost a new team.

"(My leadership approach) is about leading from the front with my performances. That's the most important thing from my aspect.

"I'm also ensuring I have a good group of guys around me; a good leadership group and people who I can talk to away from cricket to give me some guidance and a kick up the backside if I need it."

Australia will embark on their summer campaign without former captain Michael Clarke, and fellow retirees Brad Haddin, Ryan Harris, Chris Rogers and Shane Watson.

Despite missing so much experience, Smith said he was excited by the younger players knocking on the Test team door, and they now had an opportunity to grow together.

"It's a really exciting time. I think there's going to be a few experienced guys around the group - which is going to be good - but it's a pretty new team," he said.

"We have to try and build that up as much as possible and learn quickly on our feet and hopefully keep improving every day."

With an anticipated influx of top-order batsmen for the opening Test against New Zealand, including newcomers Cameron Bancroft and Andrew Fekete, Smith conceded that he may bat at number four rather than his usual first man down to provide balance.

"It depends upon the make-up of the team where I'm going to bat," he said.

"I think a lot of the players coming through at the moment, they're top-order players, so there's a good chance I'll be batting at number four.

"I won't be batting any lower than there - I can tell you that!"

The first Test is at Brisbane's Gabba from November 5.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE