Smith to lead Aussie in Clarke's absence

Agencies Brisbane, December 15 Australia have announced that Steve Smith is to take over as Test captain in place of the injured Michael Clarke. The 25-year-old Smith has emerged as a key figure for Australia over the last year or so and has got the nod to lead the side ahead of veteran wicket-keeper and vice-captain Brad Haddin. A brilliant fielder and occasional leg-spin bowler, Smith has become a mainstay of the Australian batting order in Tests and one-day internationals. However, his appointment is a slight surprise as Haddin had been considered favourite to take the reins. But the Australian selectors appear to have taken a long term view, possibly in light of the fact that the unfortunate Clarke has expressed doubt about whether or when he will be able to return to the game. Already struggling with a back problem, the unfortunate Clarke tore his hamstring during the Adelaide Test. National selector Rod Marsh said: "These are difficult circumstances given Michael's injury and the fact that we don't know how long he will be out of the game. "What we do know is that it won't be an overnight fix so after a lot of thought we have taken the opportunity to appoint an emerging young leader as captain until such time as Michael regains fitness and returns to the side. We congratulate Steve on the wonderful honour of leading his country.” "On Wednesday he will become Australia's 45th Test captain and at the age of 25 will become one of our youngest leaders. He is an exceptional young man who is highly regarded by the National Selection Panel not only for his fine performances with the bat but also his maturity and clear leadership potential." Smith averages 46.02 in his 23 Tests with five centuries, including three against England, and played a leading role in last week’s exciting first Test victory over India in Adelaide, scoring 162 not out and 52 not out in Australia’s 48-run success. He has already captained New South Wales in the Sheffield Shield and the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League. Smith will be Australia’s youngest Test captain in 35 years and their third youngest in history, behind Ian Craig and Kim Hughes. The second Test of the four-match series against India starts in Brisbane on Wednesday.

Indian cricketers’ security increased in Brisbane

PTI NEW DELHI, December 15 Security around Indian cricketers has been beefed up in Brisbane owing to the hostage crisis in Sydney with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) keeping a close watch on the unfolding events there. “We are constantly in touch with Cricket Australia top bosses. We are monitoring the situation closely and security of our players is paramount. The players are in Brisbane and everything is normal there,” BCCI Secretary Sanjay Patel told PTI. “However, the security of the Indian team has been beefed up considerably. We have been informed by Cricket Australia that additional police forces have been deployed with the Indian team. We are happy with what CA has arranged,” he added. An armed man today took undisclosed number of people hostage at a popular cafe in Sydney and displayed an Islamic flag with Arabic script in the window, sparking a security alert in Australia. Authorities sealed off surrounding streets, evacuated people from buildings, and suspended rail services following the incident at the Lindt Chocolate Cafe in Martin Place, in the heart of the Sydney’s business district. Martin Place is a public pedestrian thoroughfare through the heart of Sydney, joining its parliamentary, legal and retail districts. Television footage showed people inside the cafe with their hands pressed against the window holding the black flag known as Shahadah, a prayer spoken in mosques daily, and not a flag specific to the Islamic State. India are currently playing a four-match Test series in Australia with the second Test due to start on Wednesday in Brisbane. Asked if the incident could have an impact on the fourth Test of the series scheduled in Sydney from January 6, Mr. Patel said it was too early to comment on that. “We haven’t reached that stage as next Test is in Brisbane. It’s too early to comment on the fate of the Sydney Test. We are confident CA will take appropriate measures to ensure safety and security. At this point I can’t say anything about Sydney Test. For us the tour is still on,” said Mr. Patel.