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Darren Lehmann backs Steve Smith to take over as Australia captain

Steve Smith should become Australia's new international captain, claims coach Darren Lehmann.

Australia head coach Darren Lehmann has given his support to Steve Smith to take over as international captain.

Current skipper Michael Clarke announced that he is retiring from international cricket after the final Ashes Test next week following a series defeat to England.

Lehmann has labelled Clarke as a "great", but believes Smith can lead Australia back to the top of world cricket.

He told Sky Sports News: "We lost one of our greats and when you lose someone as great a player as Michael was, and a leader, you've got to find the next man and that I would think, with board approval, that would be Steve Smith.

"He'll be aggressive as all Australian captains have been, but I think he'll work out what works for him on and off the field the best.

"He did a great job in a caretaker role for us under really tough circumstances, [after the death of Phillip Hughes last year]. I think he'll grow and be a really good leader. I think it improved Michael's batting and hopefully it's the same for Steven. He's a good player."

Smith is currently Australia's vice-captain.

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David Warner poses during an Australia portrait session in May 2015
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