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Smith lauds Karunaratne; focus remains on second Test over Champions Trophy

Ahead of the second Test in Galle, stand-in skipper Steve Smith discussed his captaincy and also lauded retiring Sri Lankan batter Dimuth Karunaratne.

Australia’s stand-in skipper Steve Smith praised Sri Lanka’s star opener Dimuth Karunaratne, who is set to retire after the second Test in Galle.

Smith acknowledged the 36-year-old as one of the best opening batters in modern times.

“Yeah, he's had a really good career up top there for Sri Lanka, playing his 100th game as well," Smith said. "So, yeah, I think there's a bit of a ceremony tomorrow for him before the game. And he's been super consistent if not probably the most consistent top-order opening batsman for a long period of time.”

Former Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne will be playing his 100th and final Test match, having decided to retire following a recent dip in form at the top of the order.

“He's had a wonderful career. But, yeah, hopefully, we can keep him quiet in his last game.”

Australia captain Pat Cummins, who missed the Sri Lanka tour due to injury and paternity leave, praised Smith’s captaincy, even calling him a genius for some of the decisions he made on this tour. Smith was delighted to receive the praise from his skipper and looked forward to securing another win and sealing the series.

“That's nice of him," Smith added. "I love captaining in these conditions. I understand the game well and the angles that need to be created and, you know, just moving the chess pieces around the board. It's good fun and, yeah, I've enjoyed it so far. So, hopefully another good week.

Steve Smith may have to continue to don the captain's role for Australia in the ICC Champions Trophy, set to begin on 19 February, as Cummins' lingering injury raises doubts about his availability for the tournament.

“I actually haven't really given it too much thought. I think we'll wait and see what happens with that squad and then sum it up from there. We've got to get through this Test match and we want to win here first of all.”

Australian head coach Andrew McDonald mentioned Steve Smith and Travis Head as potential leadership options, with Pat Cummins yet to resume any form of bowling. With the February 12 deadline for injury replacements approaching, Cummins’ chances of regaining full fitness in time to rejoin the team appear uncertain.

"Steve Smith and Travis Head are the two that we've been having conversations with while we've been building out that Champions Trophy team along with Pat back home. They'll be the two that we look at for that leadership post.