Smith’s time of reckoning
STEVE Smith will be defined as a captain during this upcoming Ashes series.
He assumed the job quietly and slipped into the role in what we have recently learned were rather dubious circumstances, after a late-night drink in a bar in Adelaide with former Australian captain Mark Taylor and mentor Brad Haddin.
In his initial leadership stages, he looked uncomfortable with the limelight and the extra attention the role of Australian captain brings.
How things have changed in a relatively short period of time.
Smith now is clearly the leader of his team and a few cracks have appeared.
He and our hierarchy must address these issues immediately if he is to be recognised down the track as a great Australian captain.
First and foremost — and perhaps not entirely his fault — he is having far too much influence on national selection. His bias towards his New South Wales teammates has caused consternation among the rank and file.
Nic Maddinson, Jackson Bird and Stephen O’Keefe are the three notable inclusions in recent times, when many experts and analysts felt others were both more deserving and better suited to roles the NSW/ Sydney Sixers trio were gifted.
The captain should certainly have an opinion and be heavily consulted on the final 11 once a squad has been selected, but not hold the deciding vote.
Body language is such a powerful characteristic that defines the truly great leaders in our sport.
Taylor was not only the best tactical captain I have seen, but he was also the master of concealing his emotions in good times and, more importantly, bad.
Smith has become petulant and bullish on occasions and none more so than last week in the Shield game when dismissed LBW by Chadd Sayers in Adelaide.
He was demonstrative in his body language towards the decision and was lucky to escape without reprimand of sanction.
Smith stood at the wicket too long in opposition to the decision, then shook his head and made hand signals to the effect of how could that possibly be out.
For the record, he was plumb LBW.
Previous Australian captains have had varying degrees of control of their body language.
Michael Clarke was no good at it.
Ricky Ponting got better over time, Steve Waugh was pretty good until push came to shove and occasionally his emotions would boil over.
Taylor was brilliant and perhaps it’s time he and Smith sit down again in a bar and chat about this aspect of his leadership.
Tactical and strategic nous or game awareness is the most crucial aspect of any great captain and this is another area in which Smith must sharpen up.
He has made a few tactical blunders over the past two years and these errors can be very costly in close-fought matches and, ultimately, series.
If we don’t secure the Ashes, I get the feeling and strong impression from many within the inner sanctum that Smith will be under the microspore and other leadership options may be canvassed for the future.
That’s how important this summer is for Smith and HIS team.