Cricket: England coach backs Smith to lead Australia

Steve Smith of Australia. Photo / Getty Images

Trevor Bayliss has no doubt Steve Smith is ready for the second most important job in Australia.

England coach Bayliss handed Smith his first leadership post of note, when the fresh-faced star took control of T20 franchise Sydney Sixers.

Bayliss was also influential in Smith's promotion to first drop, having urged the 26-year-old to make the move when he was at NSW.

Smith has already become Australia's 45th test captain, having stepped up when Michael Clarke underwent hamstring surgery last summer. The gifted right-hander scored centuries in all three tests against India, with Bayliss expecting the full-time gig will also bring out the best in Smith.

"He'll handle it well. He's shown it already in test cricket earlier this year," Bayliss said.

"He's a very proactive type of captain. I think he'll do a fantastic job, and certainly has the respect of the rest of his teammates.

"They know he is one hell of a player, and a very good captain."

The Cricket Australia board is yet to officially confirm Smith as Clarke's successor, but that is a formality given there are no other candidates.

Clarke, who announced his retirement as England reclaimed the Ashes in the fourth test at Trent Bridge, declared Smith is ready for the promotion.

"He's going to make a good captain," Clarke said.

"I've certainly got faith in him. I believe in him."

Clarke will captain Australia in the fifth test at The Oval, which starts on August 20.

After the dead rubber, the team will become Smith's.

Coach Darren Lehmann is very much about player empowerment and it will be Smith making all the tough calls during matches.

It's understood Smith will front up on August 27, when Australia face Ireland in an ODI at Belfast.

The majority of the test squad will be rested from the one-day series, let alone the one-off clash with Ireland.

But there will be no such respite for the new face of Australian cricket, renowned for his unorthodox technique and fidgeting at the crease.

Smith's first test assignment will be a two-match tour of Bangladesh in October, which precedes a three-test home series against New Zealand.

Steve Smith

• Made test debut in 2010 as legspinning allrounder. Returned in 2013 as middle-order batsman.
• Maiden test century in 2013 Ashes.
• Australia's leading run-scorer in successful 2015 World Cup campaign. Also hit the winning runs in the final.
• Rocketed to top spot in ICC's test batting rankings in 2015 after a run of six tons in eight tests. Scored maiden double-century in second Ashes test at Lord's.
• Has captained the test side to two draws and one win.
• Has captained the ODI side to one win.

- AAP