SYDNEY, Dec 5: Michael Clarke was on Wednesday named Australia’s captain for next week’s Twenty20 clash with New Zealand in Perth in the absence of Ricky Ponting, who is being rested.

Clarke was handed the leadership of Australia’s 12-man squad for the one-off clash, while Ponting and opener Matthew Hayden take a break ahead of the Chappell-Hadlee one-day series against New Zealand.

Clarke said he was surprised when told the news by chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch, initially fearing he had been dropped from the side.

“I was thinking (Hilditch) wants to talk to me and it is always bad news, especially over the phone, so I was thinking gee, I hope I’m not going to be dropped,” said Clarke. “I was over the moon, I didn’t know what to say. I see it as a great opportunity, no doubt. But let’s definitely make it clear Ricky Ponting is still the Australian cricket captain.”

Clarke is seen as Ponting’s long-term replacement but admits he has little experience at the top, with his last time in charge coming three years ago for Australia ‘A’.—AFP