MELBOURNE, (Reuters) – Steven Smith will take over as captain of the Australian test team following the retirement of Michael Clarke after the fifth Ashes test against England, the country’s cricket board said yesterday.
Opening batsman David Warner will be Smith’s deputy in the test and one-day international formats, Cricket Australia said in a statement.
Clarke announced his decision to quit international cricket after England won the fourth test at Trent Bridge last week to regain the Ashes.
The 26-year-old Smith was expected to take the role having previously led the team when he replaced the injured Clarke as captain for three tests during the home series against India. National selector Rod Marsh said Australia had no doubt that Smith was the right man for the job.
“We have had a clear succession plan in place for the captaincy with Steve Smith gaining valuable experience leading the Australian test team while Michael Clarke was recovering from injury last season,” Marsh said in the statement.
“When Michael made his decision to retire last week it was a very straight forward decision for us to nominate Steve as his successor.
“He has big shoes to fill but everything about him suggests he is the right man for the job. At 26, he is a fine young man with extraordinary talent, excellent leadership qualities and a terrific temperament.