Steve Smith would love chance to take over as Australia captain
Monday 10 August 2015 12:26, UK
Steve Smith has promised to be an "aggressive" Australia captain if, as expected, he is given the chance to take over from Michael Clarke.
Clarke will retire from international cricket at the end of the Investec Ashes series, making the announcement public moments after Australia's defeat in the fourth Test at Trent Bridge, a result that confirmed England would regain the urn.
Smith captained Australia for part of their home series with India, when Clarke suffered a recurrence of his back problems, and scored three centuries as they claimed a 2-0 win.
He was given backing by head coach Darren Lehmann on Sunday and Smith says the captaincy is a challenge he would love to take on permanently.
"I got a taste of it last summer and really enjoyed the role. I guess if it happens now, then fantastic. We'll wait and see how it all pans out," Smith said.
"I think I'll be quite aggressive and try to be as proactive as possible. I think that is pretty important.
"For me, it's about trying to lead from the front as a player as well. The captain has got to do that and I know it was something Michael was very strong on – I'll take that same road as well."
But, for now, Smith's focus is on getting back to form with the bat and helping Australia win the final Test, which takes place at the Kia Oval from August 20, after getting over the shock of Clarke's retirement decision.
Smith says Australia's players are keen to see Clarke off with victory, even though it would come too late to make their Ashes summer anything other than extremely disappointing.
He added: "We were pretty shocked to be honest, we couldn't see it coming. Michael has been a terrific player, and captain, for a long period of time and he is certainly going to be missed around the group. Hopefully we can send him off on a high at the Oval."
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