Melbourne, Mar 30: Michael Clarke was today appointed as captain of Australia's Test and one-day cricket teams, a day after embattled Ricky Ponting stepped down after the team's unceremonious exit from the ongoing World Cup.
Clarke, nicknamed 'Pup', who became Australia's 43rd Test captain, will lead the team in its tour of Bangladesh.
Shane Watson was named as Clarke's deputy, while Cameron White would continue as the Twenty20 skipper. The 29-year-old batsman, widely tipped to lead the team, will immediately take charges.
Ricky Ponting had yesterday stepped down from the captaincy after the former world champions crashed out of the World Cup after the quarter-final defeat against India.
Ponting was also named in the squad which will leave for the Bangladesh tour.
"First of all I can say what an honour it is to be named captain and also a huge surprise to see Ricky stand down," Clarke said at a press conference in Sydney.
“I was very much unaware of where he was at and didn't know he was going to stand down. It was a huge surprise to me.
"I know Ricky will allow me to do my job to the best of my ability," he added. "We want to be the best team in all forms and that is going to take time."
Clarke made his debut for the Australian one-day team in January 2003 against England at Adelaide. He was later chosen to make his Test debut against India at Bangalore in October next year.
"I hope it helps. I think that's another thing that Ricky's taught me, to be leading from the front on the field is so important," Clarke said.
Lauding his appointment, CA chairman Jack Clarke said Clarke had proven to be a fine captain on numerous occasions when standing in for Ponting, including during Australia's recent 6-1 ODI series win over England.
"Michael has shown himself to be an excellent with his on field tactics when heading the national side," he said.
Clarke's newly-appointed deputy, Watson, said he was looking forward to the additional responsibility.
"Playing cricket for Australia has been a great honour for me and to now be appointed vice-captain is really exciting," the 29-year-old all-rounder said.
"I look forward to doing what I can to help and support Michael Clarke in the Test and ODI teams, and Cameron White with the Twenty20 group.
"There are challenges ahead but also opportunity and I look forward to being part of the leadership group as we work together to grasp that opportunity," Watson added.
Australia squad for Bangladesh tour: Michael Clarke (capt), Shane Watson (vice-capt), Xavier Doherty, Callum Ferguson, Brad Haddin (wk), John Hastings, Mike Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Tim Paine, James Pattinson, Ricky Ponting, Steve Smith, Cameron White. PTI
