Is Smith ready to fill Clarke's shoes?

Australia’s Steven Smith is all but certain to take the reins from Michael Clarke for the team's two-Test tour of Bangladesh in October but critics have suggested a new coach should also be brought in to help the young skipper rebuild the team.

Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland Sutherland, however, said 45-year-old Darren Lehmann, who has now lost two out of three Ashes series in charge, was safe in his role.

He also said Smith, who lead Australia to victory against India in the home summer, was more than ready to fill Clarke's shoes despite the 26-year-old's disappointing Ashes with the bat.

"We have someone in waiting who has had experience as a captain," he said.

"In recent months he has been rated as the best Test cricketer in the world. Steven is ready for this challenge but no one is ready-made to just walk into it."

Clarke has backed Smith to be his successor as Australia captain after announcing his retirment from international cricket. 

"I think Smithy is ready... (but) it's not my place to say who is the next captain," Clarke said. "That will be decided by the selectors. 

"Smithy had the opportunity through the Australian summer [when I was sidelined] and showed that he's going to make a good captain,” Clarke added.

Also Read

6 reasons why 'Dad's Army' Australia must wield the axe

Vibrant England find perfect blend to win Ashes

I said I wouldn't cry but maybe I might at some stage: Cook

English folk take to Twitter to celebrate Ashes triumph