“They can say whatever they like” - Steve Smith’s blunt reply to trolls before captaincy return in SL vs AUS 2025 Tests

Veteran Australian batter Steve Smith has responded to his critics, as he prepares to lead the national team in the upcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka in Galle. The 35-year-old said the team environment being in good shape remains instrumental to their success and that the outside noise hardly matters.

With Pat Cummins opting for paternity leave, Smith will lead the tourists in what will be their final leg of the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle. Although Australia have sealed their spot in the WTC final later this year, they will be keen to add another series victory to their kitty.

Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald, here's Smith's response to a section of the Australian public not wanting his return as captain:

"I mean, everyone’s entitled to their opinion. They can say whatever they like. I’m pretty comfortable in my own skin. [The environment] around the team has been good for a long time. I get on well with everyone inside. People are entitled to their opinion. They can say what they want."

The 35-year-old copped a year-long ban from all cricket, given he was captain when the ball-tampering saga took place during the tour of South Africa in 2018. However, he has captained Australia on a few occasions since his captaincy ban ended a year after returning to the international arena.

"I’m probably a bit more relaxed now" - Steve Smith on his captaincy approach

Steve Smith. (Image Credits: Getty)

The New South Welshman, who will turn out for the Sydney Sixers before the Sri Lanka tour, said he loves captaining Australia in the sub-continent, given how well he understands the tempo of cricket played in the region. In the same interview, he added:

"Any chance I get to take over when Patty’s [Cummins] not here is good fun. I try and still do things my way. It’s been cool to have a couple of opportunities here and there. It’s going to be a cool tour. I think I understand spin and the subcontinent really well in terms of angles and what needs to happen. Also, the tempo of play that needs to be played at certain times. I’m probably a bit more relaxed now. I’m pretty chilled and just laid-back. I’ll just enjoy it."

Australia's first Test against Sri Lanka begins on January 29 in Galle.