I'm starting this thread  so the Ashes threads aren't derailed.

Now Ricky Ponting has shared his views about Steve Smith acting like captain on the pitch saying he would have no trouble reinstating him after his 12 month ban and all his advice does not undermine Paine's authority, I strongly disagree with him. 

I'll also share a few anecdotes from reputable people from within TCA insights about players.

Many have a great problem with some professional sportspeople being feted and cocooned all their lives, without much understanding g of the real  world ouside their elite cricket  ( or other sports) bubble.

There is a view that too many current sportspeople can easily become egocentric sports star brats.

Ponting was sought out by a nurse working in Pakistan. Her job was made easier  mentioning she came from Tasmania, Ricky Ponting's home state. When she met him, she was appalled at his total lack of interest and empathy in a humanitarian cause. 

Ponting cannot understand morally, how ordinary people are so angry about Smith and Warmer cheating as leaders of Australia's cricket team.

Even cricketers of Alan Border's vintage loved having Colin Miller, who lived in a pub, and had to work in unskilled jobs in times in his cricket career playing Test cricket.

Pat Cummins, who has been a uni student for quite along time with a back injury, knows what life is outside the cricket bubble of the national team and states what a privilege it is to play for Australia. This is the value system needed for leadership. Fast bowlers' injury issues probably preclude captaincy, but Cummins has the right value system.

Tim Paine was a grade cricketer a few seasons ago, who had to work in day jobs to supplement his income. He has a very good understanding of life outside the bubble of the national team.

Senior figures in the Tas cricket team were appalled at Sandpapergate, and have quietly stated that Paine knew nothing about it and was equally appalled. Media reports ( one never knows their accuracy) claimed the Aus bowlers never wanted to play with Warner again. There must have been a lot of reconciliation  work done over the last year.

Matthew Wade works two days a week as an apprentice carpenter in Hobart, preparing for life when he retires from cricket.

Nathan Lyon was a groundsperson, not involved in youth elite programs. Ditto his understanding of life outside the Test team bubble. Unfortunately, he appears to have no leadership qualities.

Ben Hilfenhaus was a bricklayer's labourer/bricklayer.

On the other hand, the likes of Ponting, Smith, Warner (although he worked at Woolies), Michael Clarke, Shane Warne, Shane Watson, et al, have known little of life outside the cricket bubble. I surmise they are  far too forgiving of cheating, when appraising captaincy qualities.

They have been close to being professional cricketers from a very early age. Those who have retired have made lot of money from cricket and will never have to work again. They have little understanding of day to day mundane work, with no status.

Pointing isn't as popular in Tas as the likes of George Bailey, Paine, Ben Hifenhaus and now Wade. He left the state at an early age and lived elsewhere.  He still does.

Wade returned, after only leaving because he  knew Paine was the superior keeper and could not get a game.

Watson was perceived as another spoilt brat when living in Tas.

The Tassie team has been built on camaraderie and unity of purpose. National selectors knew that Bailey and VC Paine had a team working more effectively because of the sum of their parts, being greater than the individuals in it. This was reinforced by Ed Cowan and Mark Cosgrove when they moved to the Tas - the lack of ego and unity of purpose in the dressing room.

 Too many pundits are blown away by Smith's current batting ability and don't appraise him critically enough as a whole person.

This scenario  extrapolates to other sports. Look at the attitude of spoilt brats Krygios and Tomic in tennis, compared to Ash Barty.