The divisive Michael Clarke began his reign as Australia's new Test and one-day captain yesterday by denying that former skipper Ricky Ponting's presence in the side will cause problems.<br /><br />  <table style="width: 85px; height: 42px" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="85" align="right" border="1">  <tbody>  <tr>  <td><img alt="" src="/imagedata/2011/mar/aus.jpg" border="0" /></td></tr>  <tr>  <td>  <p align="center"><span style="font-size: 8pt">Ricky Ponting (left) and Michael Clarke</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table>Long seen as heir-apparent, the stylish batsman, who turns 30 on Saturday, was appointed to one of the most coveted roles in Australian sport after Ponting bowed to pressure and quit on the heels of their World Cup exit.<br /><br />Clarke jumps into the role immediately, leaving this week for a tour of Bangladesh as fans remain split on whether he is the right man for the job.<br /><br />Ponting, who led Australia in more than 300 Test and one-day matches, will also be on the plane, taking orders from his former deputy for the first time after being named in the squad to play three one-dayers.<br /><br />"First of all can I say what an honour it is to be named captain and also a huge surprise to see Ricky stand down," Clarke said, denying Ponting's desire to keep playing would overshadow him. "I know Ricky will allow me to do my job to the best of my ability. Bangladesh will be a great test for that to see how it all unfolds." <br /><br />Shane Watson was named as Clarke's vice-captain with Cameron White remaining the Twenty20 skipper.

The divisive Michael Clarke began his reign as Australia's new Test and one-day captain yesterday by denying that former skipper Ricky Ponting's presence in the side will cause problems

Michael Clarke named Australian captain

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Michael Clarke named Australian captain

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