Greg Chappell backs 'Reckless' Steve Smith to lead Oz in future

Former Australian Test captain Greg Chappell, who is now Cricket Australia's talent manager, has said that Australian player Steve Smith has the 'mettle' to lead the country in the future.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Smith was termed 'Reckless' during his first season for New South Wales as he was known for charging head-first into places where experienced players feared to tread.

Smith also reportedly enhanced his reputation for backing himself in situations where others hesitated to take charge when he hit England bowler Jonathan Trott's ball for six to score his maiden Test century at The Oval in this Ashes.

Quipping that Smith can eat a cricket ball as he is a 'true cricket person', Chappell said that Smith possesses an enthusiasm and a talent which can form the backbone of Australian cricket, adding that with his batting, bowling and fielding prowess and the fact that he is a good cricket reader, he has the potential to be a future captain of Australia.

According to the former India coach, they want to pick teams that will lead the game in the future, instead of just being competitive, adding that personality and talent-wise, Smith is one of those of players who can be a part of their next best team.

However, Smith, who turned down the chance to pledge his allegiance to England when he was only 16, said that his more immediate priorities are turning his 80s and 90s into big innings, although he admitted that he would welcome the national captaincy as a 'honour'.