Test great Ian Healy wants to see Steve Smith get the chance to seek “redemption” by captaining Australia once again.
Smith is free to assume a leadership role within the Australian team after serving a two-year captaincy ban for his role in the infamous ball-tampering saga in 2018.
It’s unclear who will succeed Tim Paine as Australia’s next Test captain, but Healy thinks Smith deserves another opportunity to lead his country.
“In 12 to 18 months from now, I want him (Smith) to do it, only if he wants to, because it’s a chance for redemption,” Healy told SEN Test Cricket.
“I want him to lead strongly, become that statesman of the game and put those doubters and haters to bed.
“I like redemption – he paid a heavy price for not doing much.
“Everyone around the world thinks he scratched the ball. All he was was a bit of a lazy captain and let things run in his team that he wasn’t aware of.”
Pat Cummins has been mooted as a candidate to become Australia’s next Test captain with the star fast bowler the sole vice-captain of the team.
Healy says Cummins should gain captaincy experience in white ball matches before potentially leading the Australian Test side.
“I think we should try Pat Cummins in short form games,” he said.
“Give him a taste and get his feedback on how he might cope, that would be a good way to start.”
Ray Lindwall is the last fast bowler to captain Australia, skippering one Test in 1956.