David Warner: “He’s said that he’s happy doing all three forms and I respect that”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Australia opener David Warner has said that Steve Smith has to decide for himself if he wants to continue captaining the national team in Twenty20 Internationals.

Warner is standing in as captain for the ongoing T20 tri-series, which also involves England and New Zealand, as Smith was given some time off ahead of Australia’s tour of South Africa.

While Warner is enjoying his time as skipper, he insisted that he will not look to oust Smith in order to claim the leadership role on a full-time basis.

This comes after Smith made it clear that he is still interested in representing Australia in the shortest format, even though the last Twenty20 International he featured in was back at the 2016 World Twenty20.

“That’s obviously a question for Smithy and the selectors,” Warner told cricket.com.au. “It depends on how Smithy is going mentally with all three forms.

“He’s said that he’s happy doing all three forms and I respect that. I’m his deputy so I try and help him as much as I can so he’s in the (right) frame of mind.

“But it’s quite a tough job. It’s not just the cricket he has to deal with, it’s everything else that comes with the game. I don’t think people see that as often and it can be quite challenging.

“I try and do as much as I can and make sure I’m doing everything right with the boys to make his job a lot easier.”