Johnson Critiques Smith's Captaincy for SL Test Tour
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Synopsis
Mitchell Johnson has raised concerns about Steve Smith's appointment as captain for Australia's Test series in Sri Lanka, calling it a backward step. Johnson believes the opportunity should have been used to explore long-term leadership options, instead of relying on a seasoned player nearing the end of his career.
Key Takeaways
- Mitchell Johnson questions the decision to appoint Steve Smith as captain.
- Johnson suggests the opportunity should have gone to a younger candidate.
- Confusion surrounds Sean Abbott's selection for the Test squad.
- Johnson believes the team's pace attack is strong.
- Concerns about Marcus Stoinis's selection for the Champions Trophy.
New Delhi, Jan 16 (NationPress) Former Australia fast-bowler Mitchell Johnson has voiced concerns regarding Steve Smith being appointed captain for the forthcoming Test tour of Sri Lanka, suggesting it represents a regressive move rather than taking advantage of the chance to explore a long-term leadership option. Smith has been reinstated as Australia’s captain for the two-match Test series in Sri Lanka, commencing in Galle on January 29, following regular skipper Pat Cummins's decision to step down due to the birth of his second child and ankle discomfort.
“Regarding the choice to reinstate Steve Smith as Test captain in Sri Lanka after a year-long suspension and a two-year leadership ban stemming from the ball-tampering incident, I comprehend the doubts. Many supporters appreciate his leadership skills, but I share concerns about his return at the age of 35,”
“Selecting a temporary captain who is approaching the twilight of his career seems like an opportunity wasted to delegate the role to someone like Travis Head, who could infuse new energy and insights. It feels like a regressive step, and while my viewpoint won’t alter the decision, it’s disheartening to observe choices that don’t appear to align with long-term team growth,” Johnson noted in his column for ‘The Nightly’ on Thursday.
He also expressed confusion regarding the inclusion of pacer Sean Abbott for the Tests against Sri Lanka. “The selection of Sean Abbott for the Test squad was unexpected, given his limited first-class experience this season and the strength of his one-day and T20 performances,” he remarked.
“It’s unclear how he would integrate into the Test lineup. Perhaps selectors believe his style could excel in the distinctive conditions of Sri Lanka, which often benefit bowlers who can adjust to slower pitches. However, the overall team composition appears solid,” he added.
“With the pace attack featuring Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland, along with Beau Webster, we should expect a commendable performance. Conditions may favor a dual-spin attack, and left-arm spinner Matt Kuhnemann could be particularly valuable in that environment,” Johnson wrote.
Johnson concluded by stating that Abbott might have been a more suitable choice for Australia’s squad for the Champions Trophy instead of all-rounder Marcus Stoinis. “The inclusion of Marcus Stoinis for next month’s Champions Trophy has puzzled many, including myself,” he stated.
“Stoinis’ one-day international performance has been concerning for quite a while; he hasn’t achieved an ODI half-century since 2019 and he isn’t even contracted to his State team Western Australia.”
“So, how did he make the team? I can only speculate that recent performances in the Big Bash League have secured his spot. We can only hope his T20 form transitions well. This brings me back to Abbott’s selection for the Test squad; he might have suited the Champions Trophy better than Stoinis.
