Smith joined Middlesex from Kent for the 2005 season

Smith takes over from Ben Hutton, who resigned following relegation in both the Championship and Pro40 league.

"It is a real honour to be invited to captain. I'll be giving it everything I have," said 29-year-old Smith.

"We have a talented group of players and I'm looking forward to us playing attractive and successful cricket in 2007 and beyond."

Chief executive Vinny Codrington said the club had undertaken an "extensive review" since the end of the summer.

Appointing a new captain was part of the process and Smith, who won three England caps against South Africa in 2003, was chosen from what Codrington described as "a list of strong candidates".

He added: "We are confident that Ed will be at the forefront of a revival in our fortunes, and he is committed to leading us back to where we belong."

Middlesex have already strengthened their squad for next summer by signing Chaminda Vaas and Murali Kartik as overseas players and persuading Richard Johnson to return to Lord's from Somerset.