“I think I’ll be quite aggressive and try to be as proactive as possible”

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Steven Smith has vowed to maintain Australia’s aggressive mindset and approach if he were to succeed Michael Clarke as captain.

After failing to retain the Ashes following their innings and 78-run loss to England in the fourth Test in Nottingham, Clarke announced that he would be retiring from international cricket at the end of the series.

Smith has had experience captaining Australia in the past as he replaced Clarke at the helm when the latter tore his hamstring and suffered a recurrence of his chronic back problems following the first Test against India in December last year.

Smith led by example throughout the series as he scored a total of four centuries and two half-centuries at an eye-popping average of 128.16 to lead Australia to a 2-0 win.

“I got a taste of it last summer and really enjoyed the role,” Smith told reporters. “I guess if it happens now, then fantastic. We’ll wait and see how it all pans out.

“I think I’ll be quite aggressive and try to be as proactive as possible. I think that is pretty important.

“For me, it’s about trying to lead from the front and as a player as well. The captain has got to do that and I know it was something Michael was very strong on – I’ll take that same road as well.”

Meanwhile, Smith also made it clear that Australia intend to win the fifth Test at The Oval even though they have already lost the Ashes as it will be Clarke’s final match before he hangs up his boots for good.

“We were pretty shocked to be honest, we couldn’t see it coming,” Smith said. “Michael has been a terrific player, and captain, for a long period of time and he is certainly going to be missed around the group. Hopefully we can send him off on a high at the Oval.”

The fifth and final Ashes Test between England and Australia will get underway on August 20.