Australia confirm Clarke as captain

Michael Clarke has been confirmed as captain of Australia's Test match and one-day international teams.

The batsman, who turns 30 on Saturday, had been the anticipated choice of Cricket Australia following Ricky Ponting's resignation on Tuesday, and his appointment was confirmed at a press conference.

Clarke said: "What an honour it is to be named captain of Australia."

Clarke had served as vice-captain to Ponting, and in Ponting's injury-enforced absence he led Australia to a 6-1 victory over England in the one-day international series which preceded the World Cup. His deputy will be all-rounder Shane Watson, while Cameron White has been selected to captain the Twenty20 team.

"It was a huge surprise to see Ricky stand down," said Clarke. "I was very much unaware of where he was at, and had no idea he was going to step down and that was a surprise to me.

"I want to thank him for his help, support and guidance, and look forward to continuing our work together going forward."

Ponting led Australia's one-day international team for nine years, and the Test side for seven years, but has opted to leave the role and return to the team ranks as he bids to rediscover his best form.

On Wednesday, Ponting was included in Australia's squad for next month's series of one-day internationals in Bangladesh.

Clarke rejected the suggestion that Ponting, given his stature in the game, could be "an elephant in the dressing room".

"I don't think Ricky is an elephant in any room," Clarke said. "I know he'll let me do my job to the best of my ability."