Smith will work his backside off to win Test cap: Clarke

Wellington, Mar.17 (ANI): Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke believes that youngster Steve Smith is ready for international honours, and will do whatever it takes to make the grade.

Interacting with 50 journalists at Wellington's Westpac Stadium, Clarke said Smith is looking forward to making his Test debut, and even if he does not, he will be working very hard to make sure he does so soon.

"Yeah, I've spoken to Smithy. He's obviously very confident and very excited about winning the Steve Waugh Medal a couple of nights ago. I think he's stoked just to be on the tour, to be honest," Clarke said.

"A lot has been made of Smithy coming out and saying he's ready to take his opportunity when he gets it, and I think he's shown that in the Twenty20 version for Australia and also for NSW," he added.

"In all three forms of the game, he's had a wonderful year. If he gets his chance he'll grab it with both hands. If he doesn't he'll keep working his backside off and keep waiting for his opportunity," Clarke said. (ANI)