The appointment of Steve Smith as Australia captain in place of the injured Michael Clarke has been praised by former skippers.

Smith will become Australia's 45th Test captain when he leads the home side against India in Brisbane on Wednesday.

Steve Smith's Test career Tests: 23

23 Runs: 1,749

1,749 Highest score: 162*

162* Average: 46.02

46.02 Centuries: 5

5 Half-centuries: 9

9 Debut: vs Pakistan - July 13, 2010

With Clarke's future in the game uncertain, Cricket Australia opted for Smith rather than selecting veteran wicketkeeper and Clarke's regular deputy, Brad Haddin, as a stopgap skipper.

If Clarke's hamstring injury was minor and he was missing only one Test, Ian Chappell believes Haddin would have been the right option.

"But seeing as it might be long term - or potentially permanent - appointing Smith was right," Chappell said.

"Everything I've seen of him suggests he is as ready as he's ever going to be.

"You might learn a thing or two watching other guys do it, but there's really only one way to get better as a captain and that's to do it.

"He takes on challenges. He's a smart guy and he'll learn from his mistakes."

Allan Border termed Smith "the whole package", saying the 25-year-old will have no issues playing the statesman on and off the pitch.

"He is getting more and more confident and I do feel with the bit of experience he has had with New South Wales he is ready [to captain Australia]," Border told Fox Sports.

Smith will on Wednesday become the country's youngest Test captain since Hughes, who was also 25 when he led Australia in 1979.

Kim Hughes suggests Smith's career-best form made him an obvious candidate.

"He is established in the team ... he's played beautifully the last year and a half," Hughes said.

"He's captained New South Wales to the Sheffield Shield title (earlier this year) and batted at number three, which I thought was an outstanding effort.

"I think it's a fantastic decision."

AAP