I’ll lead with my bat but ball cameo’s out
AUSTRALIA is desperately searching for a top six batsman capable of contributing with the ball this Ashes summer, but the star candidate has all but ruled out ever making a bowling comeback.
Steve Smith famously debuted as a leg- spinner at Lord’s in 2010 and was picked in that role for five Tests, a fact not lost on many who believe Smith is still the best option for a selection panel frantically trying to find someone to help moderate the workload of Australia’s precious fast bowling attack, while at the same time maintaining the strongest batting line- up possible.
However, Smith is unwilling to go back on the unmitigated run- scoring focus he is adamant has been behind his extraordinary career reincarnation as arguably the second greatest Australian batsman in history.
Giving up leg- spin was the turning point in the journey of Australia’s 45th Test captain, and Smith has declared that STEVE Smith has revealed NSW batsman Daniel Hughes is on the radar for Test selection as the Australian captain confirmed he played an integral role in Ed Cowan’s Sheffield Shield dumping.
Blues coach Trent Johnston made the huge call to drop the reigning Steve Waugh medallist and last year’s leading run- scorer after heavy consultation with Smith on the make- up of the XI that will take on South Australia in Friday’s crucial opening round fixture under lights at Adelaide Oval.
Now Smith has come out and explained that the decision was made because he and Test his bowling days are as good as over, with current responsibilities allowing no time to rediscover his former art.
“I certainly could bowl if need be. I’d prefer not to,” said Smith at the launch of his book, The Journey, at the SCG yesterday.
“Bowling leg spin, it takes a lot of time. For me to get a rhythm that I need, it’s about bowling for so long and I like to focus on my batting. selectors feel that Hughes, 28, is a legitimate candidate for a Test call- up after nailing the past two seasons of one- day cricket.
It’s the final proof that a line has therefore been put through Cowan’s claims to ever add to his 18 Test caps despite the consistency of his first- class record.
“I did have an involvement and it’s a tough selection,’’ Smith said yesterday at the launch of his book, The Journey. “We’ve opted for Daniel Hughes to play at No. 6. I think he’s a player potentially for the future. It’s a good opportunity for him to play with the likes of myself and Davey. Learn a little bit off us.”
“And when I’m not batting, I like to watch the nets and ensure guys are training the right way — watching them prepare and giving them advice.
“Then I obviously have to do my catching work. Slips catching this summer is going to be really important.
“If we hold our catches it’s going to go a long way. I’ve got to do all those things and it’s just not possible to do everything with the things I want to do around the team.”
At yesterday’s launch, Smith revealed the fascinating untold story behind his rise to the captaincy — how he was effectively handed the keys to the country over a beer with Brad Haddin and Mark Taylor at an Adelaide bar.
With Michael Clarke injured, Taylor turned to Haddin and asked if he was ready to skipper the side for the next Test in Brisbane — only for the wicketkeeper to tell Taylor it was the man sitting next to him who should instead be given the job, saying: “Nah, I think Steve should do it.”
Smith almost spat out his beer as he asked: “Sorry?!”
Taylor announced he would whip away to make some calls and get it “cleared’, and the rest was history.
Smith yesterday reiterated his intention to continue captaining Australia in all three formats. He forecast a time in the future when he would have to contemplate giving one of the formats away, but for now he is going full steam ahead on leading the team at the World Twenty20 in Australia in 2020.
Former Test all- rounder Brendon Julian launched Smith’s book yesterday, and while predicting the 28- yearold would go down as the best since Sir Donald Bradman, he also suggested it was his belief the skipper was good enough to balance bowling responsibilities as well.