STEVE Smith has allayed Ricky Ponting’s fears that the captain could suffer from burnout if he continues to lead Australia across all three formats.Unlike other countries, Australia have the same skipper for Tests, one-day and Twenty20 internationals.
Smith has continued to flourish in all three despite the burden of command, but predecessor Ponting is concerned it “may catch up” with the 26-year-old.
However, Smith is confident he can handle the pressure and continue to contribute to the team’s success.
“I guess he (Ponting) is entitled to that (opinion),” he told Fox Sports. “He captained Australia for a long period of time.
“Obviously I’m only 26. Still at the moment, hopefully, I’ve got a fair way to go left in my career.
“I guess you won’t know until you’ve experienced it. I guess everyone is different, the way they operate. At the moment, I’m going OK, I don’t feel burnout at all so hopefully I can keep that up.”
Australia face West Indies and South Africa in an ODI tri-nation series next month before touring Sri Lanka from late July to September. Smith’s side then travel to South Africa.