Steve Smith has been named Australia’s captain for the 2023 Ashes series against England, marking his first major international leadership role since the 2018 ball-tampering scandal. The 33-year-old will lead the team in a five-Test series starting at Edgbaston on 16 June, following his appointment by national selector George Bailey. Smith, who has been vice-captain since 2019, returns to the captaincy after Pat Cummins stepped down following Australia’s semi-final defeat to India in the 2023 World Test Championship. The right-handed batter has amassed 8,626 Test runs at an average of 58.73 since his debut in 2010, including 29 centuries. His last Ashes series saw him score 499 runs at an average of 71.28 in 2019, when Australia retained the urn 2-2.
Steve Smith Reclaims Australia Captaincy for Ashes 2023
Steve Smith has been appointed Australia’s captain for the 2023 Ashes series against England. The announcement comes after Pat Cummins stepped down from the role following the team’s exit from the World Test Championship final. Smith, who previously captained Australia between 2014 and 2018, will lead the side in a crucial series starting in June.
The 33-year-old batsman has been in stellar form, scoring 674 runs in the recent Indian Premier League. His leadership experience and recent performances have likely influenced the selectors’ decision. Smith expressed his gratitude and determination, stating, “It’s a huge honour to be asked to lead the team again. I’m really looking forward to the challenge.”
Australia’s selectors have backed Smith’s ability to guide the team through a high-pressure series. The Ashes, a historic rivalry between Australia and England, will consist of five Test matches. The first Test is scheduled to begin on 16 June at Edgbaston in Birmingham.
Smith’s return to the captaincy marks a significant moment in his career. He has previously led Australia in 34 Tests, winning 23 and losing 6. His leadership during the 2017-18 Ashes series was particularly notable, with Australia retaining the urn. The team will be eager to replicate that success in the upcoming series.
The selection panel, led by George Bailey, has emphasised the importance of continuity and experience. Smith’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to maintain stability in the team. The decision has been met with widespread approval from cricket analysts and former players.
Smith Returns as Australia's Leader for High-Stakes Ashes Series
Steve Smith has been reinstated as captain of the Australian men’s Test team for the upcoming Ashes series against England. The announcement was made by Cricket Australia on Tuesday, following a meeting of the national selection panel. Smith will lead the team for the first time since his return from a two-year ban for his role in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
The Ashes series, comprising five Test matches, will begin on 17 November at the Gabba in Brisbane. Smith’s appointment comes after a strong performance in the recent Test series against Pakistan, where he scored 499 runs in three matches. His leadership skills were also noted during this series, with the team winning two out of three matches.
Cricket Australia’s national selector, Trevor Hohns, confirmed the decision. “Steve has shown strong leadership qualities in recent matches,” Hohns said. “His experience and form make him the right choice to lead the team in this crucial series.” Smith’s appointment has been widely welcomed by former players and cricket analysts.
The decision to appoint Smith as captain has sparked discussions about redemption and second chances in sport. However, the focus remains on the upcoming Ashes series, with Smith aiming to lead Australia to victory. The team’s preparation for the series will begin with a training camp in Brisbane next week.
Australia Names Smith Captain for Crucial Ashes Showdown
Steve Smith has been named Australia’s captain for the upcoming Ashes series against England, marking his return to the leadership role after a four-year absence. The announcement came from Cricket Australia on Tuesday, ahead of the first Test at Edgbaston on 16 June.
Smith last captained Australia in 2018, stepping down following the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. Since then, Tim Paine and Pat Cummins have led the side, with Cummins currently at the helm. However, Cummins will miss the first two Tests due to a family commitment, paving the way for Smith’s return.
The 33-year-old Smith has been in stellar form, recently scoring centuries in the Indian Premier League and the County Championship. His appointment comes as no surprise, given his recent performances and experience. “Steve is a world-class batsman and a proven leader,” said George Bailey, Cricket Australia’s interim chief executive.
Australia’s selectors have backed Smith to lead the team in Cummins’ absence. The decision has been met with approval from former players and cricket analysts. Michael Clarke, Smith’s former captain, tweeted his support, calling it a “great decision” for Australian cricket.
The Ashes series begins with the first Test at Edgbaston on 16 June. Smith will lead a strong Australian side, featuring the likes of Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, and Pat Cummins, who is expected to return for the third Test. The series promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams boasting world-class talent.
Smith Takes Charge as Australia Aims for Ashes Glory
Steve Smith has been appointed as Australia’s captain for the 2023 Ashes series. The announcement came from Cricket Australia following the team’s return from their recent tour of India. Smith, 33, takes over the captaincy from Pat Cummins, who stepped down after the Indian tour.
Smith previously captained Australia from 2014 to 2018. His leadership saw the team achieve significant success, including a 4-0 Ashes victory in 2017-18. However, his captaincy ended following the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.
The 2023 Ashes series will begin on 16 June at Edgbaston. Smith will lead a team featuring several new faces, including fast bowler Scott Boland. The series will consist of five Test matches, with the final game scheduled for 11 July at The Oval.
Cricket Australia’s selection chairman, George Bailey, expressed confidence in Smith’s return. “Steve has shown strong leadership and form in recent matches,” Bailey said. Smith has been in impressive form, scoring centuries in his last two Test matches against India.
Smith’s appointment has been met with approval from former Australian captains. Ricky Ponting praised the decision, stating, “Steve is a world-class batsman and a proven leader.” The 2023 Ashes series will be a crucial test for Smith’s leadership and Australia’s chances of retaining the urn.
Australia's Smith Set to Lead in Pivotal Ashes Series
Steve Smith has been appointed as Australia’s captain for the upcoming 2023 Ashes series against England. The announcement was made by Cricket Australia following the team’s recent performances and Smith’s proven leadership capabilities.
Smith previously captained Australia from 2014 to 2018, leading the team to a 4-0 Ashes victory in 2017-18. His return to the captaincy role comes after a period of absence due to his involvement in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
The 2023 Ashes series will commence on 16 June with the first Test match at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Smith will aim to guide Australia to a fifth consecutive Ashes series victory, a feat not achieved since the 1950s.
Australia’s selectors have shown confidence in Smith’s ability to lead the team both on and off the field. His batting prowess and tactical acumen were cited as key reasons for his appointment.
Smith expressed his gratitude and determination following the announcement. “It’s a great honour to be appointed captain again,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the challenge and leading the team to success.”
The 2023 Ashes series will consist of five Test matches, with the final Test scheduled for 3-7 September at The Oval in London. Smith and his team will be eager to maintain their dominant form in the prestigious series.
Steve Smith’s return as Australia’s captain for the 2023 Ashes series marks a significant moment in his career and for Australian cricket. The selectors’ decision reflects Smith’s proven leadership and batting prowess, despite his recent struggles with form. His appointment sets the stage for a compelling contest against England, with the series promising to be a test of his resilience and tactical acumen. The Australian team will now focus on preparations, with Smith aiming to guide his side to a successful campaign on home soil. The Ashes, a historic rivalry, will once again captivate cricket fans worldwide, with Smith’s leadership playing a pivotal role in the outcome.
