Steven Smith has been installed as Australia’s new vice-captain and will skipper his country for the rest of their Test series with India in the absence of injured Michael Clarke, who will undergo hamstring surgery tomorrow.
With Clarke expected to be on the sidelines for some time, Smith will begin his tenure in the second match of four in Brisbane from Wednesday.
The 25-year-old middle-order batsman, Australia’s 45th Test captain and youngest since Kim Hughes in 1979, has been preferred to former deputy Brad Haddin in a decision made with an eye on the future.
The 37-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, who will be second in command to Smith, deputised for Clarke during the final day of the first Test against India.
Smith led from the front in Adelaide, following up an unbeaten 162 with 52 not out as Australia won by 48 runs.
Smith, with a Test average of 46, said: "I think first and foremost I will try to lead from the front in terms of my performances.
"The on-field tactics, I think we've been pretty good this year, 'Pup' (Clarke) has been amazing with that and what he's got going on. With the group we've got going forward I don't really feel there's any need for a big change there.”
Smith, with previous experience of leadership following spells in charge of New South Wales and Sydney Sixers, added: "It's obviously been a pretty whirlwind 18 months for me personally, and for the team as well.
“For this to come up so quickly, it's an amazing thrill. It's something that I've always dreamt of doing.
“To now have the opportunity to lead Australia in a Test match and the rest of this series, it's an amazing thrill."
On Clarke, Australia team doctor Peter Brukner said: “Michael was assessed by a surgeon in Melbourne early this evening and will be undergoing surgery tomorrow to repair his injured right hamstring.
“Whilst surgery is not always required with hamstring injuries, Michael has substantial damage to a key part of the hamstring tendon and it was felt the best course of action was to surgically repair the damaged area.
“His recovery and the timing of his return to play will be dependent on the surgeon’s advice and how well he recovers in the coming weeks.”