Smith's captaincy 'under pressure from Warner'

Aussie cricket cult hero Brad Hogg says Steve Smith's stunning return to form is a result of the threat of losing his captaincy to David Warner.

Smith was controversially sent home early from Australia's tour of Sri Lanka in August, missing the final three ODIs to rest up for the summer of cricket.

While the decision was made by selectors and not Smith, it caused a massive stir in cricket circles, with many high-profile former stars including Michael Clarke lashing out at the move.

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With Smith in charge the Aussies lost three Tests and a one-dayer against Sri Lanka, with just one ODI victory to his name from the disastrous tour.

But when vice-captain Warner took over as skipper, Australia won the remaining three one-dayers, which Hogg says would have had Smith under the pump.

"I think he would have felt under a little bit of pressure after Sri Lanka with leaving early and then David Warner taking over and then they started to win one-day matches," the 45-year-old said.

"He would have felt a little bit of extra pressure there."

Smith has been a stand-put during Australia's first two ODI victories against New Zealand, scoring 164 and 72 to help his side regain the Chappell-Hadlee trophy.

He's also well-and-truly out-captained counterpart Kane Williamson as the Aussies recorded resounding victories in Sydney and Canberra.

"It's more important for Steve Smith to be performing for his own personal wellbeing than the team," Hogg said.

"If he's performing well he's going to captain well."

Hogg, who was a key figure in Australia's World Cup triumphs in 2003 and 2007, will suit up for Melbourne Renegades in the 2016/17 Big Bash League.