Warner: T20 captaincy still Smith’s

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Stand in Australia T20I skipper David Warner says that as much as he has enjoyed leadership the captaincy still belongs to Steve Smith.

Australia, who have struggled in T20 cricket of late, have been unbeaten under Warner in the Trans-Tasman tri-series.

Warner told cricket.com.au: “That’s obviously a question for Smithy and the selectors.

“It depends on how Smithy is going mentally with all three forms.

“He’s said that he’s happy doing all three forms and I respect that. I’m his deputy so I try and help him as much as I can so he’s in the (right) frame of mind.

Warner

“But it’s quite a tough job. It’s not just the cricket he has to deal with, it’s everything else that comes with the game. I don’t think people see that as often and it can be quite challenging.

“I try and do as much as I can and make sure I’m doing everything right with the boys to make his job a lot easier.”

Warner led the Sunrisers Hyderabad to the IPL title in 2016 while Smith was at the helm of the Rising Pune Supergiant when they were runners-up in 2017.

There has been some talk about separating the responsibility of coaching the T20I team with Ricky Ponting touted for the role so perhaps at some point Smith may be asked to relinquish the short format’s captaincy.

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