Steve Smith appointed as the new Australian captain
The
Australian team who just won a Test match against India, staging a remarkable
comeback to register that victory in 1st Test did not get enough hours to
celebrate the win; as they soon learnt that skipper Michael Clarke had injured
his hamstring to such an extent that the duration of rehabilitation could not
even be predicted. Clarke came into the game not 100% fit but was playing to
give a final tribute to their little team mate Phil Hughes. In his attempt to
play the test match even without attaining the level of fitness it requires
Clarke during the game made things worst for himself. So much so that he will
now sit out of the remainder of the series and is uncertain about his future.
In this situation the selectors had to pick a new skipper for Australian test
team who will lead the team in Clarke’s absence. In a surprising move the
selection panel has elected young batsman Steve Smith as the new captain of
Australia’s test team.
Smith
is the new vice-captain and will take charge of the test squad in absence of
Clarke. Brad Haddin who was Michael Clarke’s deputy will remain so for Smith as
well. The selectors have looked at the future aspect while picking the new
captain and the form, temperament and talent Steve Smith has shown over the
period makes his selection a smarter and brighter choice for the team. As
Haddin himself is 37 and has not many years to offer to the team.
Australia’s
National Selector Rod Marsh in the official statement said: “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, 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.”
He
also congratulated the new skipper stating, “We congratulate Steve on the
wonderful honour of leading his country. On Wednesday he will become
Australia’s 45th Test captain and at the age of 25 will become one of our
youngest leaders. He is an exceptional young man who is highly regarded by the
national selection panel not only for his fine performances with the bat but
also his maturity and clear leadership potential.
Whereas
the non selection of Haddin for the post was also equally well reasoned by the
selectors, “Brad Haddin has done an exceptional job as vice-captain since
assuming the role last year and will provide strong support to Steve just as he
has done for Michael.”
The
perspective that they are looking at is long term and that is the reason Smith
edged over Haddin for the job. Marsh said “There was a strong argument for
radio assume the captaincy until Michael returns, but given we don’t know how
long that will be, we felt the time was right to take a longer-term view and
give a young player this chance.”
Cricket
Australia Chairman Wally Edwards on Smith’s selection as captain said: “The
Board fully endorsed the recommendation put forward by the selectors. Steve is
an impressive young leader who deserves high praise for his temperament and
on-field performances to date. We believe he will do an excellent job when
given the chance to captain his country against India.”
Pasted
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