Australia Names Steve Smith as New Test Captain, David Warner as Deputy

Strategic Insights -

Steve Smith will take over as the captain of the Australian test team following the retirement of Michael Clarke after the fifth Ashes test against England, Cricket Australia announced on Friday. Smith, 26, has been named as deputy to Clarke in the test and one-day international formats, and is expected to lead the team on an ongoing basis. National selector Rod Marsh said Australia had no doubt that Smith was the right man for the job, citing his leadership qualities, talent, and temperament. Smith has clearly been Australia's best batsman in the last year, but his team is certain to have a very different complexion when they embark on a two-test tour of Bangladesh in October.

Key Takeaways:

  • Steve Smith will take over as the captain of the Australian test team following the retirement of Michael Clarke.
  • Smith, 26, has been named as deputy to Clarke in the test and one-day international formats.
  • National selector Rod Marsh said Australia had no doubt that Smith was the right man for the job, citing his leadership qualities, talent, and temperament.
  • Smith has been Australia's best batsman in the last year, but his team will have a very different complexion when they tour Bangladesh in October.
  • David Warner, nicknamed 'Bull', is expected to carry most of the burden of Australia's batting.
  • Warner has matured and developed into an important senior figure in the Australian team, and is expected to respond well to the added responsibility of leadership.
  • Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, Chris Rogers, and Shane Watson are all expected to have played their last tests during the Ashes tour.
  • Ryan Harris, the Australian paceman, retired before the first Ashes test after suffering another knee injury.

Statistics:

  • Australia's cricket team will have a new captain and deputy captain following the retirement of Michael Clarke.
  • Steve Smith is 26 years old and has previously led the team when he replaced the injured Michael Clarke as captain for three tests during the home series against India.
  • Smith has been Australia's best batsman in the last year, averaging [insert average here].
  • David Warner is expected to carry most of the burden of Australia's batting, but has also been involved in multiple code of conduct violations for his sledging.
  • Australia is set to tour Bangladesh in October for a two-test series, which will be a new challenge for the team.
  • The fifth Ashes test against England starts on Thursday at The Oval, London.

Sources:

  • "Australia name Smith new skipper, Warner deputy" - Cricket Australia statement
  • "Cricket: Marsh pins hopes on Smith for future" - Cricket Australia website