Steve Smith backs 'reformed' Warner as future Oz Test captain

Australian Ashes hero Steve Smith has backed his teammate and opener David Warner as a future Test captain.

Ahead of the Boxing Day Ashes Test against England, former Test captain Ian Chappell said that Smith had the makings of captain after his 111 in the first innings in the Perth Test and if captain Michael Clarke calls it quits before the return Ashes series in 18 months, Smith or Warner may get the nod.

According to News.com.au, although Warner was in strife during the ICC Champions Trophy in England after punching England's Joe Root in a nightclub, Smith said that his teammate has reformed and is now a changed man, and indicated that he is heading in the right direction towards the team's captaincy.

Smith also said that Warner has been in a 'terrific' form all winter, starting with the domestic games before the series.

Meanwhile, all-rounder Smith said he had no plans to alter his style and play with more flair despite the pressure being off with Australia taking an unassailable 3-0 series lead, the report added.