Smith named as Clarke’s successor

Warner will serve as the vice-captain in Australia’s Test side

SYDNEY: Batsman Steve Smith was named Australia’s new Test captain on Friday to replace Michael Clarke, who announced his retirement after his side’s drubbing in the current Ashes series., while David Warner will be the vice-captain.

Smith, who skippered Australia in Tests against India during the last home season when Clarke was sidelined with a hamstring injury, was the natural choice for the position, said Cricket Australia.

“When Clarke made his decision to retire last week it was a very straightforward decision for us to nominate Steve as his successor,” national selector Rod Marsh said in a statement. “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.”

Smith, who was widely expected to replace Clarke and whose appointment was endorsed at Cricket Australia’s August board meeting on Friday, will also be Australia’s T20 captain during their tour of the British Isles, due to Aaron Finch’s injury. 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 15^th,  2015.

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