30 Mar 2011

Clarke expected to be named Auistralian cricket captain today

10:57 am on 30 March 2011

Cricket Australia is expected to announce Michael Clarke as the new skipper of Australia's Test and one day cricket teams today.

Ricky Ponting announced yesterday he would step down as captain, but stay on as a batsmen in the team.

Clarke has long been the heir apparent to Ponting.

Clarke's first task will be to take a one day squad, likely to include Ponting, to Bangladesh this week as Australia looks to improve from a World Cup quarter-final exit.

Clarke's Test reign will start in August when he skippers a tour of Sri Lanka.