Steve Smith says Australia captaincy is "not on my radar at all"

The 30-year-old remains suspended from leadership roles with the national team until March 29 but there has been plenty of speculation that he could soon be back skippering the team once that deadline has expired

Steve Smith insists he has not got a return to the Australian captaincy on his mind ahead of his home international comeback.

Smith has not represented his country in Australia since receiving a 12-month ban for his role in the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal, but is set to take to the field later this week when his side take on Sri Lanka in a T20 international.

The 30-year-old remains suspended from leadership roles with the national team until March 29 but there has been plenty of speculation that he could soon be back skippering the team once that deadline has expired.

Tim Paine is currently in charge of the Test squad, with Aaron Finch leading the white-ball teams, and Smith says he is not thinking about replacing them.

“Not on my radar at all,” Smith said.

“Finchy and Painey are both doing terrific jobs so I’m enjoying playing and pretty chilled.”

^{Australia's players launched their home international summer in Adelaide} 

Smith will return to the fray against Sri Lanka in Adelaide on Sunday.

“It should be good, I can’t wait to play,” he said.

“Any time you walk out and play for Australia it’s a great honour and to be back playing here in Australia, I’m excited.”

Despite his illustrious Test career, Smith has only featured in 30 T20Is for his country.

“I’m sure with the World Cup in a year’s time there’s an opportunity to have that continuity. I think we’ve seen over the years that the T20 format is one where guys are rested a lot,” he said.

“That will probably change leading into the World Cup I dare say. I think it’s a great opportunity for 14 guys that have been picked here to have that continuity and try to perform together and work towards hopefully being part of a World Cup. It starts here this summer. We’ve got six games straight.”

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