Smith sent back to Australia; coach Lehmann backs the move
Following a defeat in second ODI against Sri Lanka, Australian captain Steve Smith has been sent back to Australia to prepare for South Africa tour. David Warner was handed the responsibility of the team for remaining tour. Coach Darren Lehmann said that the move was planned long back and is a good thing for the captain who plays in all formats of the game.
Steve Smith
Steve Smith is a Australian cricket player who made his debut for the international team in 2010. Smith was the highest run scorer for Australia in the 2015 World Cup. He is currently on top of the ICC Test player rankings. He was awarded with Allan Border Medal in 2015. Steve plays for Rising Pune Supergiants in the Indian Premier League.
Steve Smith appointed Captain of Australian team
After a 3-2 loss against England in the Ashes series, Michael Clarke retired from cricket leading to the then Vice-Captain Steve Smith becoming the captain of Australian cricket team. Smith had already been appointed Captain for the shorter formats of the game. David Warner was appointed as the Vice-Captain. Steve, on Twitter said that he was honoured and privileged with his appointment as Captain.
Smith starts on a winning note
Steve Smith started his career as a Captain on a winning note as he led the team to a 2-1 win against South Africa in a T20 series. Shortly after, Australia registered test wins against New Zealand and West Indies. Australia also defeated India in a ODI series in India. However, Australia struggled in the 2016 World Twenty20, finishing third in their group.
Australia's disastrous Sri Lanka tour
Australia suffered a humiliating defeat in three match test series as Sri Lanka whitewashed the visitors by 3-0. This was Steve Smith's first test loss as a Captain. In the first two ODI matches, Sri Lanka and Australia have both won one each.
Clarke, Jayawardene questions Smith's return
Former cricketers Michael Clarke and Mahela Jayawardene questioned the move to send Steve Smith back home in middle of the tour. Clarke said that he would have liked the captain to stay and leave after the series. Jayawardene took to Twitter to express his surprise.
