Monday 15 December 2014 09:51, UK
Australia have announced that Steve Smith is to take over as Test captain in place of the injured Michael Clarke.
The 25-year-old Smith has emerged as a key figure for Australia over the last year or so and has got the nod to lead the side ahead of veteran wicket-keeper and vice-captain Brad Haddin.
A brilliant fielder and occasional leg-spin bowler, Smith has become a mainstay of the Australian batting order in Tests and one-day internationals.
However, his appointment is a slight surprise as Haddin had been considered favourite to take the reins.
But the Australian selectors appear to have taken a long term view, possibly in light of the fact that the unfortunate Clarke has expressed doubt about whether or when he will be able to return to the game.
Already struggling with a back problem, the unfortunate Clarke tore his hamstring during the Adelaide Test.
National selector Rod Marsh said: "These are difficult circumstances given Michael's injury and the fact that we don't know how long he will be out of the game.
"What we do know is that it won't be an overnight fix so after a lot of thought we have taken the opportunity to appoint an emerging young leader as captain until such time as Michael regains fitness and returns to the side.
We congratulate Steve on the wonderful honour of leading his country.
"We congratulate Steve on the wonderful honour of leading his country.
"On Wednesday he will become Australia's 45th Test captain and at the age of 25 will become one of our youngest leaders. He is an exceptional young man who is highly regarded by the National Selection Panel not only for his fine performances with the bat but also his maturity and clear leadership potential."
Smith averages 46.02 in his 23 Tests with five centuries, including three against England, and played a leading role in last week’s exciting first Test victory over India in Adelaide, scoring 162 not out and 52 not out in Australia’s 48-run success.
He has already captained New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield and the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League.
Smith will be Australia’s youngest Test captain in 35 years and their third youngest in history, behind Ian Craig and Kim Hughes.
"I think first and foremost I will try to lead from the front in terms of my performances," he said at a press conference. "The on-field tactics, I think we've been pretty good this year, 'Pup' (Clarke) has been amazing with that and what he's got going on. With the group we've got going forward I don't really feel there's any need for a big change there."
The second Test of the four-match series against India starts in Brisbane on Wednesday.
