Lyon 'excited' by Smith's captaincy ambition

Nathan Lyon believes an evolved Steve Smith is well placed to again lead Australia in Test cricket should the opportunity present itself, though not before Tim Paine's reign is complete.

Smith this week revealed his desire to return to the leadership, which was stripped from him for two years by Cricket Australia following his involvement in the Cape Town ball-tampering scandal in 2018.

The 31-year-old has led Australia in 34 Tests for 18 wins, making him the fourth-most successful captain in the country's decorated history in the format in terms of win percentage (more than 10 matches).

"It's exciting that Smithy has said he wants the job again," Lyon told The Unplayable Podcast. "I think over the last couple of years he's learned a lot about himself … but also about his captaincy as well.

"For him to come out and say that he wants it is exciting. He's obviously learnt a lot and feels like he can do a great job again.

"If he wants it, in my eyes he can have it."

The 100-Test veteran also pointed out that while Smith's return to the side might potentially have created some awkward moments between incumbent skipper Paine and his predecessor, the situation had been handled with respect.

"Tim is the current captain and this is the way Tim wants to run the ship, and credit to Smithy I think he's been very respectful in that way," Lyon said. "There's been times where Smithy has been able to pass on his knowledge – (he) has a great cricket brain and can see the game different to most people.

"I think that's a great quality to have; when you've got people like Smithy in your changeroom it can only help you."

While Paine's captaincy came under some scrutiny during the summer's Test series defeat to India, the 36-year-old Tasmanian has generally been widely lauded as a leader, having helped navigate the men in Baggy Green through the challenging post-Sandpapergate period without the assistance or batting prowess of both Smith and former vice-captain David Warner.

Paine's calm but authoritative style after being plucked from obscurity to return to the side at the beginning of the 2017-18 Ashes has kept him at the helm for 23 Tests, with 11 wins, the highlight of which has been a 2-2 Ashes series result in the UK in 2019 that allowed Australia to retain the urn on away soil for the first time since 2001.

Lyon said Paine enjoyed his "full support", adding: "I love playing under Painey. He's up there with one of the best captains I've played under.

"With him being up there as the best 'keeper in the world in my eyes, I want him to keep playing, especially with such a big Ashes series just around the corner," he added.

"This time off, especially for the guys who only play Test cricket, is going to allow us to get fit, get focused and make sure we're ready for when the summer comes around.

"Painey has all my support. He's not going anywhere in my eyes."