Steve Smith May Replace Michael Clarke as Australia's Permanent Captain

Senior officials of Cricket Australia (CA) are reportedly considering the prospect of having young Steve Smith as the permanent captain of the team. This after repeated injuries to Michael Clarke and tensions between him and selectors has left the side's leadership under grey clouds.

According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald on Wednesday, prominent figures in Australian cricket have begun reassessing Clarke's long-term future as captain of the side. While he will lead the team in the World Cup next month - subject to a fitness test on February 21, Clarke may be replaced by Smith for the all-important Ashes in England later this year.

While Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland has expressed his confidence in Clarke, the focus in Australian cricket is firmly fixed on Smith. The 25-year-old cricketer has been in sublime form with the bat and was the highest run-getter in the Test series against India. While he captained the side in whites recently, Smith has also managed to take his form into the tri-series - slapping a century against England. He was also awarded the Allan Border medal which reaffirmed his position at the top of the current Australian team.

On the other hand, Clarke's recent international activity has been hampered by prolonged fitness problems. He, however, is confident of making a full comeback and doing well in the World Cup. In fact, the 33-year-old has not even considered the prospect of giving up captaincy on his own. "I think I have earned that respect," he was quoted as saying by Australian media when asked about his views on captaincy. Some reports have also suggested that Clarke desires to play on till the 2019 World Cup which further shows that Clarke is backing himself to the hilt.

Whether officials and selectors choose to back Clarke or look at young gun Smith, though, remains to be seen.