Published: Aug 16, 2015, 03:52 PM (IST)
Edited: Aug 16, 2015, 03:52 PM (IST)
Newly appointed Australian Test skipper Steven Smith, who will take the charge from retiring Michael Clarke after the ongoing 2015 Ashes, has his agenda clear when he stressed on increasing their wins in the away Tests. After surrendering the Ashes with a 1-3 loss, Clarke announced his retirement from international cricket after the end of the fourth Test at Trent Bridge, inside three days. The fifth and the final Test at Oval will be the last appearance of Clarke, Brad Haddin and Chris Rogers for the Australian side. READ: Pat Cummins might play 5th Ashes Test at the Oval after good tour match
According to a report from CricBuzz, Smith whose first assignment as the full-time skipper will be Australia’s tour of Bangladesh, said, “I guess the first aim for our team from this point, following on from the disappointment of this Ashes campaign, is to win more Test series away from home. That is something that’s very high on my agenda, and something that we probably haven’t done as well and as regularly as we would have liked over recent times.
“Given that the first Test tour after Michael’s final match at The Oval next week will be to Bangladesh, we have a chance to show that we can change that pattern by making sure we adapt to the different conditions that we encounter around the world. And that we play a brand of cricket that’s going to bring us success, regardless of where matches are held. There’s no denying this has been a disappointing tour of the UK for all of us, and for our supporters. READ: Steven Smith asks Australian public to back team after Ashes 2015
Smith also mentioned that the Oval Test is vital for them for a number of reasons. The first and foremost reason is that it is going to be Clarke’s last Test and he “deserves to go out on a winning note.”
“He has been a terrific player for our country over a long period time as well as a great captain and it would be fitting to send him off with a victory, so hopefully we can do that next week,” he added. READ: Alastair Cook admits to considering resignation as Test captain before Ashes 2015
“I’m just really excited about the opportunity to be able to lead this team forward into what we all hope will be a successful new era for Australian cricket. It will also be great to have the support of David Warner as my vice-captain. I’m looking forward to working with him, we’ve known each other for a long time and its going to be exciting to form a partnership with him and to lead this team together. READ: Michael Clarke should not be criticised for Ashes 2015 defeat, feels Mitchell Marsh
The 26-year-old admitted that the transition, phase that is due to Clarke’s retirement, has hit the team a little early than he had expected. “But having said that, I certainly feel ready to take on the job now that the opportunity has come along,” Smith said.
