Steve Smith, Australia's New Test Captain, Promises Winning Farewell for Michael Clarke

Steve Smith was named Australia's new Test captain by Cricket Australia on Friday. The 26-year-old will replace Michael Clarke, who will retire after the final Ashes Test starting at the Oval on August 20.

Smith took to Twitter to express his gratitude at having been given the opportunity to lead the Aussie outfit. Already the full-time captain of the ODI side, the immensely talented batsman said he is excited about the prospect of captaining in whites. (Ponting Approached by Cricket Australia to be Batting Consultant)

"It's an honour and privilege to be given the opportunity to captain the Australian cricket team. I'm really excited about what lies ahead," tweeted Smith.

It's an honour and privilege to be given the opportunity to Captain the Australian Cricket Team. I'm really excited about what lies ahead.

- Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) August 14, 2015

The task ahead though won't be easy as Australian cricket is battling one of its worst crises in recent years. England have outclassed the touring party to regain the Ashes urn, leaving Clarke and coach Darren Lehmman red in the face.

While Clarke announced his retirement after a crushing defeat in the fourth Test, Lehmann issued a public apology on behalf of the team.

Smith though remains confident and has promised to win the final Ashes match - at The Oval - for Clarke.

"We really want to send @MClarke23 out on a winning note this week. He's had a magnificent career and is a true great of Australian cricket," he wrote on the micro-blogging site.

We really want to send @MClarke23 out on a winning note this week. He's had a magnificent career and is a true great of Australian cricket.

- Steve Smith (@stevesmith49) August 14, 2015