Smith puts forward case for captaincy

London - Australia batsman Steve Smith says he will follow the example set by Michael Clarke and be "aggressive" and "pro-active" if, as expected, he is named as the new captain of the country's Test team.

No official decision has been made regarding who will replace Clarke following his announcement that he'll be retiring after the current Ashes series, although Smith has been described as the "heir apparent" by Cricket Australia chief executive James Sutherland.

Smith captained Australia during the home series against India last year when Clarke was injured, and says "I got a taste of it last summer and really enjoyed the role. If it happens, fantastic."

Smith said on Monday that Clarke tried to lead from the front as a player and "I will take that same road as well."