Ricky Ponting explains how 'Deputy' Smith has a crucial role to play in pushing 'Captain' Pat Cummins as bowler

Powerful Ricky Ponting claims Steve Smith's role as vice-captain will be crucial for newly appointed test skipper Pat Cummins. Cricket Australia on Friday announced the appointment of Cummins as the 47th Australia Test Captain and named Talisman Smith as his deputy. Previously, Tim Paine resigned from office last week after a scandal was revealed that resulted in inappropriate texts being sent to a colleague in 2017.

Considered one of the best captains to ever play the game, Ponting highlighted a concern that, as a bowler, could cast doubt on Cummins after he was named captain.

"There were times, I think, last summer when they just had to keep bowling Pat," Ponting told cricket.com.au. “There were long periods in Sydney and Brisbane when he was most likely to get wickets.

“The only worry I have is if it's the same again where Pat is the preeminent fast bowler, will he keep bowling himself? Because the team will need it. Or will he worry what people will think if he is all the time? "He added.

Ponting feels that sometimes a bowler needs someone to push him, and this is where Smith, as vice-captain, has a crucial role to play.

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“This is where the vice-captain's role is really important in this whole thing because it could go the other way, not bowling himself enough because he's getting physically tired. But sometimes you need someone to move you forward or give you directions, and that's where I think the vice-captain will be important, "he said.

Previously, Smith was forced to step down as a skipper for his role in the ball manipulation scandal "Sandpaper-Gate" of 2018. However, his captaincy ban ended in 2019 and Cricket Australia have decided to bring him back to the leadership group.