Bringing back Steven Smith as Test captain might turn out to be an absolute disaster: Ricky Ponting

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting feels that the reappointment of Steven Smith as Australian Test captain, once Tim Paine, the Australian wicketkeeper-batsman steps away from International Cricket, might not go down well with the Australian supporters.

Smith, along with David Warner and Cameron Bancroft served heavy bans imposed on them by Cricket Australia after the ball-tampering scandal broke out in their Test series against South Africa in 2018. However, while CA handed David Warner a lifelong ban from all captaincy roles, the board was much more lenient on Smith, handing him a two-year ban from the same.

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In Ponting’s eyes, this suggested CA were keen for the New South Welshman to eventually reclaim the title of Australian Test captain. He told news.com.au, “If Cricket Australia had thought he would have never done it again, they would have put a black line through his name right from the start, but they’ve left that option open.”

“The public sentiment certainly has changed, and that’ll be the interesting thing to see. It’ll be if the Australian public are willing to allow him to come back and be captain again, because if Cricket Australia made that announcement that he’s going to be captain and it didn’t sit well with the public, then it’ll be an absolute disaster,” added Ponting.

Both Smith and Warner were handed 2-year bans upon pleading guilty of the same

Ponting was also asked about the possibility of the MCG not hosting this year’s boxing day Test match, after the COVID-19 pandemic made a disturbing resurgence in Victoria, throwing the state’s sporting calendar into chaos.

Although the Adelaide Oval has emerged as a favourite to assume the Boxing Day duties, Ponting is hopeful the COVID-19 situation will be resolved in time for Melbourne to host the sport’s premier event. Although, when asked his preferred choice of venue for the Test match in case it has to be moved out of Melbourne, the Launceston-born former Cricketer answered with a giggle, “I’d like to see it in Hobart.”

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He then added, “But I’d love to see Cricket Australia do everything in their powers to try and ensure that the Boxing Day Test does stay in Melbourne.

“All the venues around Australia are brilliant, and they’re all unique in their own different way. Adelaide is one of the best places that I’ve been to watch or play cricket, certainly over the last 4-5 years since they’ve renovated the stadium. I’m sure they’ll have their hand up, as will Perth and Brisbane. Everyone will be throwing their hat in the ring. I just hope that things have improved enough in Victoria that it doesn’t move.”