He was considered the next Shane Warne.

Then he played for Australia.

As a leg-spinner, Steve Smith almost made a sound batsman.

Yet four years later, Smith has been able to achieve at 25 what Warne never could – become Test captain.

Few would have predicted Smith’s meteoric rise following his 2010 Test debut shortly after turning 21.

And even fewer after the NSW youngster looked lost in the lower order while used sparingly as a leg-spinner in Australia’s disastrous 2010-11 Ashes series, losing a record three Tests by an innings.

Not that Smith had to be reminded on Monday after officially being handed the reins for the second Test against India in Brisbane.

“The first time I got called up as a spinner I wasn’t ready to play as a spinner,” he said.

“I don’t think I was ready to play as a batter when I first played as a batter against England.

“I’m quite open and honest about that.

“Since I’ve gone away and worked on my game and improved I certainly think that I belong.

“I think I am getting better every day and hopefully that continues.”

Yet Test cricket always seemed to be Smith’s destiny.

He was reminded on Monday when a certain Year 11 student named Steven Peter Devereux Smith nervously lobbed at Menai High School’s principal’s office in Sutherland Shire and asked to leave a year early in 2007.

Legend has it the principal gave him the green light – much to the guidance councillor’s horror – after Smith’s junior coach Trent Woodhill claimed: “No disrespect to the school but Steve’s going to make $1 million a year for a good 10 years of his life – he’s that good a cricketer.”

Woodhill told cricinfo website later: “(The principal said) ‘I reckon he should give it a go, he can always chase his schooling later’.

“The welfare officer was absolutely gobsmacked and we walked out of there. We still laugh about it.”

No one is laughing now, although Smith could still see the funny side of the life-changing moment on Monday.

“It was a risk. I haven’t really had another job other than cricket, to be honest,” he said.

“For me I always wanted to be a cricketer.

“I’ve believed in my skills ever since I was a young kid.

“Only a select few get to play for Australia.

“I’ve put all my eggs in one basket and it worked out well for me in the end.”

Smith still looked like a short term option when recalled for Australia’s ill-fated tour of India last year.

Yet he was one of the few players who left the 4-0 loss to the hosts with his head held high.

And it hasn’t lowered since with five centuries in his past 12 Tests.

“It’s been a whirlwind 18 months for me,” said Smith, now Australia’s 45th Test captain.

“My heart’s always been to play for Australia.

“As a kid growing up and watching the Australians on TV that was what I always wanted to do.

“A couple of years ago at Lord’s to debut as a spinner, I probably wasn’t ready then but I never knock back an opportunity to play for Australia.

“I’ve loved every minute of the journey so far.”