In a move that is sure to lead to more debate over the summer, Steve Smith has said his return as Test captain "could be a long way away".

Key points: On top of a one-year ban from playing for Australia after the ball-tampering saga, Smith was banned from holding leadership positions for an extra year

On top of a one-year ban from playing for Australia after the ball-tampering saga, Smith was banned from holding leadership positions for an extra year The 30-year-old says he is not thinking about the captaincy and has not spoken to Tim Paine about the leadership role

The 30-year-old says he is not thinking about the captaincy and has not spoken to Tim Paine about the leadership role Smith will be eligible for the captaincy again at the end of March, after the Test summer

Every cricket pundit seems to be weighing in on whether the former captain will retake the reins of the Australian team, and the man himself has not closed the door on returning to the top job.

"That could be a long way away," he said.

"I am not really thinking about that at the moment."

Many Australians still have not forgiven the then-captain for turning a blind eye in the ball-tampering scandal during the 2018 South Africa tour.

The 30-year-old was suspended for 12 months and received a two-year ban from any leadership role, but come the end of March 2020, Smith will again be eligible to lead the national side.

Smith says his only priority at the moment is contributing with the bat in whatever team he is playing for. ( Reuters: Carl Recine )

"I am pretty chilled and relaxed where I am at; it's not really on my radar," Smith said.

Runs on the board

Since his comeback from when his playing ban ended a little more than six months ago, Smith has been instrumental to the Australian side — both with the bat and as a sounding board.

He was on hand to provide advice to Aaron Finch during the recent one-day World Cup and was invaluable for Tim Paine to lean on during the Ashes campaign in England.

Smith could be seen directing changes in the field at times during the Ashes. ( Reuters/Action Images: Andrew Boyers )

In that Test series, he scored 774 runs at an average of more than 110 and his record haul saw him return to the number one spot on the ICC Test batting rankings despite a year out of the game.

Consequently, his sublime Ashes batting heroics have many calling for his reinstatement as skipper, but Smith's priority is to keep making runs, and lots of them.

Loading

"It's just about focusing on what I need to control at the moment — that's just keeping myself in a good space and scoring as many runs as I can, whether that be for New South Wales, Sutherland or Australia," Smith said.

"I just want some success as a team."

But there are those with a strong background in the game who remain divided on his potential return as skipper.

Former national coach John Buchanan feels having failed as captain during 'Sandpapergate', Smith should not be given a second chance, while Greg Chappell thinks the burden might be too much too soon.

Ricky Ponting is confident Smith's second coming is just a matter of time, while current coach Justin Langer has said he was unsure what Smith will do.

Much like the booing he received from many English fans during the Ashes, Smith is treating the leadership chatter as white noise.

"People can talk about whatever they want, doesn't mean I have it in my head. My thoughts are I am really comfortable where I am at now," he said.

Paine stepped up when Smith was suspended, but the 34-year-old's inconsistent batting form, as well as some of his decision making, has led some to question if he's the best man for the role.

Smith backed current skipper Time Paine (right) and says they have not had any discussions about leadership. ( AP: Rui Vieira )

"I think Tim is doing a terrific job," Smith said.

"I haven't had any conversations about any sort of leadership aspirations or anything like that. I am really comfortable."

After a disappointing start to the domestic Shield season where he scored 0 and 21, Smith's focus — for now — is to get back to making runs for the Blues in their upcoming match against Tasmania.