Cricket has always been a game of comebacks, and for Steve Smith, the journey back to the pinnacle of leadership in Australian cricket has been one of redemption and resilience.
On February 12, 2025, Smith was announced as the captain for Australia’s campaign in the ICC Champions Trophy, marking his return to leading the side in an ICC event since the 2017 Champions Trophy.
This announcement not only signifies a personal milestone for Smith but also sets the stage for a new chapter in Australian cricket.
A Full Circle Moment
The decision to reinstate Smith as captain comes at a time when Australian cricket is looking for stability and experience at the helm.
His last stint as captain in an ICC tournament was during the 2017 Champions Trophy, where his leadership was marred by the fallout of the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa the following year.
Since then, Smith has served his time away from captaincy, focusing on his batting prowess and contributing to the team in various roles.
His return to captaincy, therefore, is seen as a full circle moment, a testament to his growth both as a player and a leader.
The Challenge of a New-Look Pace Attack
However, the path to glory in the Champions Trophy won’t be without its hurdles. The Australian team has been hit hard by the absence of their key pace bowlers.
Mitchell Starc’s withdrawal for personal reasons, coupled with the injuries sidelining Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, has left a significant void in what was once one of the most feared bowling attacks in cricket.
This scenario presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the new brigade of pacers stepping up under Smith’s captaincy.
With the trio of Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins out, the responsibility falls on Sean Abbott, Ben Dwarshuis, Nathan Ellis, Spencer Johnson, and all-rounder Aaron Hardie to carve out their niches in international cricket.
This reshaping of the pace attack requires not only skill but also strategic planning from Smith. His ability to manage this new-look bowling line-up will be crucial, especially in the high-pressure environment of an ICC event where every match can pivot the team’s fortunes.
Spinning the Narrative
In the spin department, Australia has options with Tanveer Sangha, Adam Zampa, and the part-time spin of Glenn Maxwell and Travis Head.
This gives Smith a versatile toolkit to work with, adapting to various conditions they might encounter in the tournament.
The challenge for Smith will be to weave these resources into a cohesive strategy that can disrupt the opposition’s batting line-ups, particularly in conditions that might not traditionally favor spin.
Leadership Of Steve Smith
Smith’s leadership has always been about more than just cricketing tactics; it’s about setting an example, fostering team spirit, and navigating through controversies with dignity.
His return to captaincy is not just about leading on the field but also about steering the team through the media and public scrutiny that follows Australian cricket.
His journey back to this role has been watched closely, with many looking for signs of growth from the lessons learned post-2018.
The Road Ahead
As Australia prepares for the Champions Trophy, the narrative isn’t just about winning; it’s about how this team, under Smith’s guidance, can overcome the odds. With a significantly altered bowling attack and a captain back to helm for the first time in an ICC event in years, the story of this campaign is already rich with potential for drama, strategy, and personal redemption.
The absence of key players like Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins, as mentioned by George Bailey, “provides an opportunity for someone else to make a mark on the tournament.”
This sentiment underscores the theme of renewal and opportunity within the squad.
For Smith, it’s an opportunity to prove that his leadership can adapt to new challenges, inspire a new generation of Australian cricketers, and perhaps, lead Australia to another ICC title.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on how Smith navigates these waters. His batting, always a spectacle, will be complemented by his captaincy, where his decisions on the field, management of resources, and handling of pressure will be under the microscope.
The Champions Trophy 2025 could very well define the latter part of Steve Smith’s illustrious career, not just as a batsman but as a captain who has come back stronger, wiser, and more determined than ever to lead Australia to glory.
