Mitchell Johnson insists Steve Smith is ‘LIGHT YEARS’ ahead of Pat Cummins

Mitchell Johnson has hailed Steve Smith’s tactical acumen after he masterminded Australia’s thumping win in Indore, but insists calls for him to permanently replace Pat Cummins as captain are shortsighted. 

Smith, 33, has stepped in for Cummins for the final two Tests of Australia’s tour of India after the captain had to return home to care for his unwell mother.

The batter was previously the skipper of Australia before losing the position following the sandpaper scandal which humiliated the national team.

But he showcased his cricketing smarts last week in Indore to help the visitors to a nine-wicket win over their hosts – who had won the previous two contests by a wide margin.

And former fast bowler Johnson has admitted that Smith possesses a greater cricketing mind than Cummins. 

Steve Smith has a greater tactical mind than Pat Cummins, so says Mitchell Johnson

Smith led Australia to a sublime nine-wicket victory over India last week

‘Cummins’ record since taking over is strong and Australia’s qualification for the World Test Championship final in June underlines it,’ he wrote in his column for the Western Australian.

‘But Smith is light years ahead of Cummins as a tactician in Indian conditions. Cummins has been tested here, in conditions which are vastly different to Australia, and his decision making wasn’t quite there during the first two Tests.

‘Assuming Cummins remains at home, putting family first in this situation, it will be very interesting should Smith lead the Aussies to another win to level the series at 2-2.’

However, Johnson insisted that Smith should not takeover from Cummins permanently, but should be more forthcoming in imparting his wisdom to the benefit of the team. 

‘Just a few months out from the WTC final and the Ashes, the display of Smith’s captaincy acumen should serve as a reminder of what a valuable asset his cricket brain is to the Australian team.

‘The circumstances of how Smith was stripped of the captaincy have probably created a situation where he’s very careful not to step on Cummins’ toes.

Cummins has gone home to take care of his mother while Smith thrives on the subcontinent

‘But Australia need their vice-captain to become a bit more influential during the Ashes. Smith gets involved at times, but he’s been so respectful of Cummins as the new leader that he doesn’t want to push things.

‘It’s time to be a bit more forthright in his vice-captaincy. I’m sure after this series, those sort of conversations will happen – both inside the team and in the media.

‘Cummins hasn’t done anything wrong to warrant a change in captaincy. And I’ve repeatedly stated my belief that Smith shouldn’t captain Australia again in the wake of the ball-tampering controversy, which happened on his watch.

‘And at 33, Smith is reaching the back end of his career anyway.’