Will Steve Smith replace Tim Paine as Test captain, what does Ian Chappell have to say?

Losses always lead to uncomfortable discussions like leadership change. After Australia’s recent loss to India, Tim Paine’s leadership is being questioned too.

Former Australia captain Ian Chappell thinks that Steve Smith may replace Tim Paine as the skipper of the Test side as there are no other options left for Australia.

Paine stepped in as the captain after Steve Smith was banned in 2018 after the sandpaper-gate fiasco. Since then he has led Australia in 23 Tests, winning 11 and drawing 4. In his captaincy, Australia were on the losing side on 8 occasions.

“Yeah sure, he might get the captaincy again but I think it's only going to be in the circumstances where there's not much other choice,” Chappell told 'Wide World of Sports'.

However, Chappell also questioned the difference in nature of bans imposed on David Warner and Steve Smith after their involvement in the sandpaper gate scandal. As per the conditions of the ban, now Smith is eligible for leading Australia, while Warner can never lead the national team.

“Why aren't Smith and Warner in the same category? If Smith only gets a 12 (24) month ban on captaincy, why doesn't Warner only get that?

“Or if Warner gets a lifetime ban on captaincy, why doesn't Smith? Because Smith's crime in my eyes was greater than Warner's,” Chappell concluded.

In the aftermath of a loss that has left the entire country stunned, it will be interesting to see what is the next move of Cricket Australia. Known for their strict approach, will they replace the leadership of the national team? Let us know in the comments section.