Steve Smith named as Australia's Test captain

Michael Clarke's injury has paved way for Smith to become captain © Getty

Steve Smith has been named as Australia's Test captain after a hamstring injury forced Michael Clarke to take a break. Smith will become Australia's 45th Test captain when he leads the team for the 2nd Test against India at Brisbane.

Wicket-keeper, Brad Haddin, was named as the deputy for Clarke for the series and even took over the reins when Clarke was forced off the field on the last day of the Adelaide Test. However, the selectors felt that it was the right time to give a younger player the responsibility given that it could be a long term role. Smith will be vice-captain if and when Clarke returns. The hamstring injury to Clarke could be career-threatening as he himself revealed after the Adelaide Test.

"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," said Rodney Marsh, the chairman of selectors.

"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. Brad Haddin has done an exceptional job as vice-captain since assuming the role last year and will provide strong support to Steve just as he has done for Michael.

"There was a strong argument for Brad to assume the captaincy until Michael returns, but given we don't know how long that will be, we felt the time was right to take a longer-term view and give a young player this chance," added Marsh.

Smith's appointment was endorsed by Cricket Australia chairman, Wally Edwards.

"Steve is an impressive young leader who deserves high praise for his temperament and on-field performances to date. We believe he will do an excellent job when given the chance to captain his country against India," said Edwards.

Smith has no prior experience as captain at the International level but he has an impressive track record at the domestic level. Under him, the Sydney Sixers won the inaugural Big Bash League in 2012 and he also led New South Wales to victory in the Sheffield Shield earlier this year.

Smith was happy to take over the reins and expected all the senior players, including Brad Haddin, to support him.

"As a captain, first and foremost, I'll try to lead from the front with my performance on the field, and with regards to tactics, I think we've been pretty good this year. Pup's been amazing with what he's done and the group we've got at the moment going forward. I don't think there's any real need for a big change there.

"I'm extremely excited and looking forward to training with the boys the next two days and then getting out there on Wednesday. I've had a bit of leadership experience with New South Wales and the Sydney Sixers, I know at the Sixers I had some older heads there with Brett Lee and Stuart MacGill, and to lead those guys it was a big thrill. I know coming out here our senior guys will support me 100% and Brad Haddin, who I'm very close with, as vice-captain will be right behind me," said Smith.

Smith has been in stunning form for his side, smashing 162 and 52 in the 48-run win over India in the 1st Test. His current Test average stands at 46.03.