Steve Smith will captain Australia for the remainder of the Test series against India.
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Steve Smith will captain Australia in the second Test against India in Brisbane beginning on Wednesday.
Cricket Australia (CA) named Smith the country’s 45th Test skipper ahead of veteran wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who was widely tipped to take over from Michael Clarke in the 33-year-old’s absence.
Clarke tore his hamstring while fielding on the final day of Australia’s first Test win over India in Adelaide.
At 25, Smith will become the third youngest skipper in Australian Test history after Ian Craig and Kim Hughes.
National chairman of selectors Rod Marsh said that due to Clarke’s uncertain playing future, it was pivotal that a captain was selected with a long-term focus.
“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,” Marsh said.
“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.”
37-year-old wicketkeeper Brad Haddin was confirmed as Smith’s deputy.
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