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Don't sacrifice Steve Smith at the Test captaincy altar

Steve Smith got out in an uncharacteristic manner. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)
Roar Guru
17th November, 2014
14

The handling of Australia’s stand-in captaincy for the upcoming Test series against India could have dire consequences for the future.

The extent of Michael Clarke’s hamstring injury hasn’t yet been confirmed, but already there has been a mountain of speculation surrounding who will be skipper for next month’s Gabba Test.

Brad Haddin and Steve Smith are the names being spruiked, but the selectors and coach Darren Lehmann must tread cautiously.

Smith has cemented his spot in the middle-order, but at 25 he still has a lot of cricket in front of him and much to learn.

While the New South Welshman has excelled when given the opportunity at state level and in the Big Bash, national duty is a different kettle of fish.

Throwing someone into the deep end with just 22 Test caps to his name is a tough ask at the best of times, but Smith’s proposition is different. Smith is the future.

The captain of Australia is often referred to as the second toughest job in the country behind Prime Minister. The pressure of the nation’s captaincy could prove too much for Smith if he isn’t mentally ready, in turn affecting his primary job in the team – making runs.

It wouldn’t be the first time poor management on behalf of the national selection panel has scarred a player, you only have to look at Phil Hughes.

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The left-hander was Australia’s most promising youngster since Michael Clarke. His career started with a flurry in South Africa, but quickly soured when he was booted from the team during the 2009 Ashes in England.

In his 26 Test career Hughes has been dropped five times, hardly a show of confidence from the selectors. How could Hughes possibly perform knowing he could be shown the door at any moment?

The NSP has shown an inability to handle these situations effectively in the past. Prematurely anointing Smith the captaincy at the Gabba could be the selectors’ biggest blunder yet.

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