Former captain Steve Smith insists he’s unfazed by the ongoing debate around his future as Test skipper

Steve LarkinThe West Australian
VideoSteve Smith has reaffirmed his support for captain Tim Paine but wouldn’t rule out captaining Australia again at some stage

Everyone seems to have an opinion on whether Steve Smith should resume the Australian captaincy, except the man himself.

Smith’s two-year ban from leading Australia ends on March 29 but he’s unfazed by debate about whether he should be restored to the role.

“Not on my radar at all,” Smith told reporters on Friday.

“Finchy (T20 and ODI captain Aaron Finch) and Painey (Test captain Tim Paine) are both doing terrific jobs so I’m enjoying playing and pretty chilled.”

Smith and teammate David Warner on Sunday will play his first home international - a Twenty20 game against Sri Lanka in Adelaide - since serving a one-year playing ban for the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa in March last year.

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Smith was also suspended from any Australian captaincy for two years, with Warner banned for life from any leadership role in the national side.

After a torrid reception from crowds in England during the recent Ashes series and World Cup, the pair said playing on home soil would be welcomed.

“It should be good, I can’t wait to play,” Smith said.

Camera IconSteve Smith of Australia celebrates with the Urn after Australian drew the series to retain the Ashes. Credit: Getty Images

“Any time you walk out and play for Australia it’s a great honour and to be back playing here in Australia, I’m excited.”

Warner said he was looking forward to playing in front of Australian crowds again.

“For us ... we knew what we were going to tackle over there and what we were going to face (in England),” Warner told reporters on Friday.

“And it was about keeping a smile on your face and not letting anyone rattle you.

“Go back probably six, seven years, it probably would have rattled me.

“But this time, you know what to expect when you go there. The English team say the same thing when they come to Australia.

“So for us, it’s about focusing on the task ahead, that is playing good cricket and scoring runs.”

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