Smith deserves a break: David Warner

Australia's decision to rest Steve Smith, the incumbent captain of the national team across formats for the remainder of the Sri Lanka tour due to a packed schedule, created a furore in the cricketing circles with former players and fans criticising the move.

However, Darren Lehmann, the head coach of Australia, justified the decision by stating that the think-tank "wanted to make sure Smith is fresh and ready for the big summer ahead".
 
David Warner, who will take over the mantle of captaining the limited-overs side in Smith's absence, also supported the decision to give the 27-year-old middle-order batsman a break. Smith has gone through the tough grind of playing top-flight cricket across all formats in the last few years. He also has the added pressure of being the captain for all three versions of the game.
 
"I can feel for Steve and the amount of cricket he has been playing," Warner said. "It is going to be very, very tough with the scheduling these days to play all three forms and every single game possible. Players are getting rested here and there. Everyone has to adapt, and we've got [to remember] that everyone is human.
"The stats he has on the board, runs-wise and the world's best batter and player, I think he deserves a break whether or not it was during the series or before the series.
 
"There were times there when I may have been leaning towards having a break and then you have a bit of misfortune by getting injured and that has sort of been my freshen-up." [Warner injured his left index finger during the tri-series played in West Indies in June this year.]
 
Warner, on his part, said that he is thrilled to lead Australia's One-Day International (ODI) side. Incidentally, he will become Australia's 23rd ODI captain, when they will meet Sri Lanka in Dambulla on Sunday (August 28). "I feel honoured and thrilled," he said. "I'm really pumped to get out there, help the guys and lead from the front."
 
Warner proved his mettle by leading the Indian Premier League (IPL) side Sunrisers Hyderabad to a memorable title, earlier this year. James Faulkner, the 26-year-old all-rounder, indicated that Warner's experience of leading the Hyderabad franchise would help him to captain the national team.
 
"David's got lot of experience in all three formats - in IPL and BBL as well," Faulkner stated. "I know one thing - that he is pretty honest, and he's going to back each and every one of us. Much as the same with Smithy - very good leaders. They let their presence be felt in the middle. I'm sure David will fill the position really well."