Former Australian Test cricketer, Michael Hussey, believes that it is too early for Steve Smith to takeover as the captain of the Australian Test side. Michael Clarke, the regular skipper, injured his hamstring in the first One Day International against South Africa and there have been growing talks about the possibility of Smith taking over as captain, should Clarke miss the home series against India, scheduled to start in December.
Vice-captain Brad Haddin is naturally expected to take over captaincy duties in Clarke's absence but Smith's case has been talked up by former players like Glenn McGrath and Stuart Clark. Smith has been earmarked as a future Test captain and his stocks as a cricketer have risen considerably due to consistent performances in the last 12 months. Should Smith become captain, would become one of the youngest ever Australian Test captains, behind only Ian Craig (22, 1957) and Kim Hughes (25 years and 57 days, 1979). Craig, who was also Australia's youngest Test cricketer, died on Sunday at the age of 79.
"Let's just leave Steve Smith be and let him worry about his own game a little bit longer. He's played so well over the last year, he really understands his game a lot better but lets just really cement him into that batting order first," Hussey told news.com.au. "The selectors will go with Brad Haddin to captain the team. He's the vice-captain at the moment. He's got the experience, knows the game extremely well and I'm sure hell do a great job." added Hussey.
Meanwhile, despite Clarke suffering his third hamstring injury in two months, he is expected to take the field this summer. "I've got a feeling he'll be OK. I reckon he'll play. I don't know whether he'll make it for the first Test but I think he'll be back at some point. I don't know the diagnosis but I know Michael and he will do everything he can to get back
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