Steve Smith will play a leading role in the Australia team during the World Cup this summer, according to former captain Ricky Ponting.
Smith was suspended for 12 months — and stripped of the captaincy — for his role in ‘Sandpapergate’ a year ago, when Australian players sought to alter the condition of the ball during a Test match against South Africa in Cape Town.
He is expected to be included in the squad for the World Cup, which starts in May.
“(Smith) is still out on the field, so he can help Aaron Finch out,” said Ponting, who will be part of Australia’s coaching staff for the showpiece.
“I would imagine that Aaron Finch would be leaning on Steve Smith a lot for a bit of advice, maybe leading into the games, as far as preparation is concerned.”
Meanwhile, Jos Buttler warned against writing off Australia in the tournament, which takes place in this country, despite the turbulence in their cricket during the last year.
The England wicketkeeper-batsman said: “They are Australia. They’re a fantastic cricketing nation and will always be a dangerous side.”
