Chappell sympathetic to Steve Smith

Australian captain Steve Smith is under pressure as his own form has not been at his best and the team struggling for success.

The second Test begins in Hobart tomorrow, where there will be even more scrutiny on the side if they can’t get a result.

Former Test captain Ian Chappell is backing Smith and is sympathetic to his difficult position as he does not have as much control over the side as Chappell did in his day.

‘It’s a much more difficult job now,’ Chappell told 3AW’s Sports Today.

One area for improvement is to minimise big partnerships from the opposition.

‘That can be an indication that the skipper is running out of ideas a bit.’

Click PLAY to hear the interview