Steve Smith has been named Australia's Test captain, replacing injured skipper Michael Clarke for the rest of the series against India.

Smith is seen as the long-term successor to Clarke and  was announced on Monday as the team's new leader for the Brisbane Test, starting on Wednesday.

Cricket Australia confirmed Smith's elevation on Monday, saying he had been installed as vice-captain and would captain the team against India in Clarke's absence.

Next Test captain: Steve Smith plays a cut shot against India during his century in the first Test against India in Adelaide. Photo: AP

"As a captain, I think first and foremost I'll try to lead from the front with my performance on the field," he said. "And in regards to tactics and everything, I think we've been pretty good this year. Pup's (Clarke's) been amazing with what he's done. I don't feel there's any real need for a big change there."

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Vice-captain Brad Haddin, 37, was considered the favourite interim replacement while Clarke is sidelined with a torn hamstring and had won support from teammates, including Clarke, to fill the post.

However, the discussion about leadership took a twist, given the serious nature of Clarke's hamstring problem, which he has admitted could spell the end of his career.

Missed out: Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin would likely have been skipper if Michael Clarke had only missed one game. Photo: AP

It is understood that, had the 33-year-old been sidelined for only one Test, Haddin would have been handed the role for the Brisbane match.

But with Clarke definitely out for the rest of the series and his career beyond that under question, an eye has been cast to the future.

"These are difficult circumstances given Michael's injury and the fact that we don't know how long he will be out of the game," national selector Rod Marsh said.

"What we do know is that it won't be an overnight fix so after a lot of thought we have taken the opportunity to appoint an emerging young leader as captain until such time as Michael regains fitness and returns to the side.

"We congratulate Steve on the wonderful honour of leading his country. On Wednesday he will become Australia's 45th Test captain and at the age of 25 will become one of our youngest leaders. He is an exceptional young man who is highly regarded by the National Selection Panel not only for his fine performances with the bat but also his maturity and clear leadership potential.

"Brad Haddin has done an exceptional job as vice-captain since assuming the role last year and will provide strong support to Steve just as he has done for Michael.

"There was a strong argument for Brad to assume the captaincy until Michael returns, but given we don't know how long that will be, we felt the time was right to take a longer-term view and give a young player this chance."

The middle-order batsman has captained NSW in the Sheffield Shield and the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League.

"I've had a bit of leadership experience with NSW and the Sydney Sixers," he said. "I know at the Sixers I had some older heads there.

"To lead those guys, it was a big thrill for me."

Shaun Marsh will take Clarke's place in the side for the second Test, which starts at the Gabba on Wednesday.

But it is unclear who will bat at No.4 in the absence of Clarke, with Smith now charged with the responsibility of setting the order.

At 25, he has long been touted as a possible successor for Clarke after a brilliant past 18 months with the bat and an impressive resume as a young captain.

His appointment raises further questions about Clarke's future. He is racing to be back in time for the World Cup in February-March and then the Australian team is due to tour the West Indies before heading to England to defend the Ashes.

Smith will become the third youngest Australian Test captain in history at 25 years and 197 days, behind Ian Craig (22 years and 194 days) and Kim Hughes (25 years and 57 days).

AUSTRALIA'S YOUNGEST TEST CAPTAINS

IAN CRAIG (22 years, 194 days)

KIM HUGHES (25 years, 57 days)

THE RISE AND RISE OF STEVE SMITH

TEST RECORD:

779 runs from 13 innings at 77.90 in 2014

327 runs from 9 innings at 40.87 v England in 2013/14

269 runs from 5 innings at 67.25 v South Africa in 2014

174 runs from 4 innings at 43.50 v Pakistan in 2014

214 runs from 2 innings at N/A v India in 2014/15

STEVE SMITH

23 Tests

1749 runs at 46.03

Debuted in July 2010 against Pakistan at Lord's

Australia's 415th Test player and 45th Test captain

Last week's unbeaten 162 against India was highest Test score

FIRST-CLASS CAPTAINCY RECORD:

2 wins, 1 draw

Led NSW in the Sheffield Shield final earlier this year, scoring a ton as the hosts recorded a draw to win the competition.

with AAP