David Warner to lead the Aussies against Sri Lanka from third ODI as Steven Smith is on rest
Steven Smith will not be playing the rest three ODIs and two T-20s as he will be on rest handing over the post of captain to David Warner. Australian selectors too in the favour of the decision of Smith as the series becoming too hectic for him. David Warner will handle the post of the skipper for the first time.
Chairman of selectors of Australian Cricket, Rod Marsh on a statement revealed that Smith was supposed to sit for the series and the topic was discussed before the start of the tour.
“Smith has a large amount of cricket coming up in the next 12 months and we wanted to find a time for him to freshen up and these last five matches provide a good opportunity to do so. Regardless of the results of the first two matches, our plan was always for Steve to take a break and refresh ahead of the ODI Series against South Africa next month,” said Marsh.
“This is a great leadership opportunity for David, he has really embraced his role as vice-captain and we are confident he will do a great job in Steve’s place.” Marsh mentioned at Warner’s appointment as captain.
Australian skipper Steven Smith, who tends to have good records in all formats said “I hate missing cricket, but in the long run it will do me a world of good. The schedule is very busy. I still want to take on the role in all three formats and do it to the best of my ability.”
The Aussies are in a good form after whitewashing Sri Lanka for 3-0 in the Test series. The five-time World Cup champions won the first ODI on three wickets but had to taste defeat in the second match for 82 runs.