3 minute read

Matthew Wade says Steve Smith and other experienced players in Australia's XI ensured his first game as stand-in skipper was as smooth as possible.

The assistance of Steve Smith and other senior players helped Matthew Wade as he capped a remarkable transition from carpentry apprenticeship to Australia's captain.

Wade was appointed stand-in skipper for his team's second T20 against India, which Aaron Finch missed because of a glute injury.

Wade served as vice-captain in the first T20 but formal confirmation of his promotion didn't come until Sunday afternoon.

Australia's T20 wicketkeeper is likely to keep the reins on Wednesday night, with Finch and Josh Hazlewood (back) both in doubt for the sold-out SCG series finale.

The snubbing of Smith has reignited debate about whether the former skipper, who has completed the two-year leadership ban imposed by Cricket Australia in response to the ball-tampering saga, will ever captain his country again.

Wade downplayed the letter that was next to his name on Sunday's team sheet, in both his pre-match address to teammates then again when speaking to reporters on Monday.

"We've got so many good leaders," the Tasmanian said.

"I said that before I walked out 'it's not my team, it's their team'. I've been given the captaincy but we've got Smith, Moises Henriques captains his BBL team, heaps of guys.

"Plenty of guys could have done it ... which made it a lot easier for me, having so much experience."

The 32-year-old added Smith was "a great captain for a long time" and remains a vocal bonus for every leader he plays under.

"I'm sure if he gets an opportunity again, he'll do a great job," Wade said.

Sunday's milestone gave Wade a chance to reflect on his stunning return to international cricket, having turned to the tools after being dropped in 2017 then demanded selectors' attention as a specialist batsman.

"I took a step back from cricket and did a little bit of an apprenticeship with one of my good mates," he said.

"Sometimes things happen that are quite unexpected ... really proud and honoured to captain my country."

National coach Justin Langer's pre-match advice was for Wade to soak up the moment and enjoy it.

"Which is exactly what I did. It was a lot of fun," Wade said, having scored 58 and held a sharp catch to dismiss Virat Kohli in Australia's final-over loss.

"Pretty comfortable with the decisions I made. There's always little things you can do better ... but nothing that is going to keep me up at night."

Langer was full of praise for Wade.

"He did a really good job ... he's grown into a really strong leader and his performances have been excellent," he said.