Clarke named captain for Bangladesh tour

Michael Clarke has officially taken over as captain from Ricky Ponting © Associated Press

Michael Clarke will lead his predecessor Ricky Ponting and a little-changed touring party to Bangladesh for three limited overs matches after being officially named Australia's new captain on Wednesday. Clarke will captain Australia in Tests and ODIs, while Cameron White continues as national Twenty20 captain.

There was no surprise at the sight of Clarke suited up at the SCG for the announcement, taking on the mantle that he has waited patiently for over a lengthy tenure as vice-captain. "It is a great honour to be appointed captain of Australia but at the same time a great surprise as I wasn't expecting Ricky Ponting to stand down," Clarke said. "I have always respected those who have come before me in this role and humbled to think of my name being mentioned alongside theirs."

It did not take long for the matter of Clarke's popularity to be raised, given another raft of public polls that confirmed he was far from the public's stand-out choice as leader.

"I don't know exactly why it's there, but it is and it has probably been there over the whole of my career," he said. "Hopefully I can earn the respect of the doubters who are out there."

Shane Watson will be the new vice-captain under Clarke. Xavier Doherty has replaced Jason Kejza as the lead spinner in the squad, while James Pattinson has been recalled in place of the retired Shaun Tait. David Hussey is unable to tour for family reasons.

Andrew Hilditch, the chairman of selectors, said in a statement that Doherty deserved his spot in side. "Xavier was not considered for the ICC Cricket World Cup because of a nagging back injury. Jason bowled well in the World Cup, but now Xavier has recovered from injury he deserves to come back into the squad."

He also said that Watson has been earmarked as a player with leadership potential. "Shane Watson is a critical player for Australia's future and has been identified over the last 12-18 months as someone with leadership potential and we are sure Shane will relish the challenge of being a part of the leadership group needed to guide Australia through this exciting but challenging time."

Squad: Michael Clarke (capt), Shane Watson, Brad Haddin (wk), Ricky Ponting, Cameron White, Mike Hussey, Callum Ferguson, Tim Paine (wk), Steve Smith, Mitchell Johnson, John Hastings, Brett Lee, Xavier Doherty, James Pattinson.

Daniel Brettig is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo

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