Comment: Steve Smith the next Allan Border?

Steve Smith
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Allan Border currently holds the record, skippering 93 Test matches between 1984 and 1993. 

At just 25, Smith should play for at least another 10 years and with more Test matches played now than ever before, the record is well within his reach.

The only obstacle is retaining his mantle. Right now, there is no obvious reason why he can't.

His off-field reputation has remained immaculate throughout his already long career. And his on-field record is becoming mighty - this week he entered the top 10 for the ICC's official Test batting rankings. 

Captaining teammates who are vastly more experienced cannot be easy. 

In the past it has been debated whether Australia's cricket captain or Prime Minister holds the most power in the country. 

Ian Craig (22) and Kim Hughes (25) captained Australia's Test side at a younger age and won just three and four matches respectively.

But while that pair failed in the long term, there are perfect examples overseas that Smith would be well served to emulate. 

New Zealand's Stephen Fleming and South Africa's Graeme Smith are among the most well-regarded captains of the past few decades and both started while younger, and perhaps less qualified, than Smith.

Both men quickly learnt and on the job and endured plenty of turmoil from far and wide. Yet they each  provided precious stability for a decade.

Smith will on Wednesday become the third youngest cricketer to lead the national Test side.

Allan Border is one of the most revered figures in Australian cricket and, right now, it's inconceivable that Smith could match his achievements. 

But 10 years is a very long time in cricket.  

Smith was a very different player when Ricky Ponting handed him his baggy green cap at Lord's in 2009. His maturity and assurance of his role in the team has improved tenfold since then.  Let's see how much he evolves in another five years, and potentially another five after that.  

If Clarke's Test career is over and Smith's position as captain becomes permanent, throwing him in the deep could turn out to be one Australian cricket's greatest decision. 
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