Australian Test skipper Tim Paine has backed Steve Smith to be reimposed as the leader of the side in the longest format of the game. Paine’s comments came after Smith showed his interest in being the skipper of the side back in March. Paine was handed over the Test captaincy from Smith back in 2018 after the ball-tampering scandal in Cape Town.

Steve Smith and David Warner were then banned from international cricket for 12 months with Smith disallowed from captaincy for two years. Talking to News.com.au, Tim Paine has thrown his weight behind Smith’s reappointment as Test skipper.

Tim Paine Backs Steve Smith as Test Skipper

“I think so. Obviously I don’t make that decision but the time I played with Steve as captain he was excellent. Certainly tactically he is as good as you get. Certainly tactically he is as good as you get. Then obviously South Africa events happened and he’s not doing it anymore. But, yeah, I would support him getting that job again” Paine said.

Paine has no plans to relinquish the captaincy but suggested he might be tempted to bow out of the game if Australia dominates England in the 2021/22 Ashes. When asked as to how long he wants to lead the side as Test captain, Paine spoke about one-off Test against Afghanistan and the upcoming Ashes series.

Tim Paine To Lead Australia In Ashes 2021

“At least another six Tests. I feel like the time is right and we’ve beaten the ‘Poms’ 5-0, what a way to go out. But it might be a tight series and we might be chasing 300 on the last day and I’m 100 not out and hit the winning runs – and then I might go again.” Paine said.

After series defeats against Pakistan and India to start his reign, Paine was able to right the ship in 2019 as Australia reeled off triumphs against Sri Lanka, England, Pakistan and New Zealand. The Test series loss against India again has made him wary about his position in the side a bit.

Also Read: Tim Paine Takes Takes A Jibe At Team India Over Test Series Loss