India vs Australia: Steven Smith announced stand-in skipper, Brad Haddin deputy

New Delhi: Cricket Australia put all speculations to rest on Sunday when they announced Steven Smith's name to lead the Australian side for the remaining Test series against India.

The Australian cricket board chose the youngster over the veteran wicket-keeper batsman Brad Haddin to lead the pack after regular skipper Michael Clarke was ruled out of the on-going series as a result of a hamstring strain.

And with that the 25-year-old will become Australia's 45th Test captain, when he leads the side in the second Test, scheduled to take place at Brisbane from December 17. It will also make him the third youngest Australian Test skipper too.

Haddin, will assist Smith as he has been named the vice-captain.

Smith has been in exceptional form with the willow for the last year or so. In fact, the youngster scored a ton in the first innings of the opening Test against India at Adelaide Oval.

Earlier, Smith led New South Wales state in domestic competitions and the Sydney Sixers in Twenty20 league.

The stylish right-hander made his Test debut against Pakistan at Lord`s in 2010.

It would be interesting to see the lad leading the side in his debut Test at Brisbane.