Clarke in for retired Gilchrist as Australia vice-captain
Michael Clarke will be Adam Gilchrist's replacement as vice-captain
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Tuesday, 01, Apr 2008 09:31
All-rounder Michael Clarke has replaced retired wicketkeeper-batsman Adam Gilchrist as Australia's vice-captain for the summer tour of the West Indies.
Clarke, 26, will deputise in the absence of regular skipper Ricky Ponting in all forms of the game – Test matches, one-day internationals and Twenty20 play.
A four-year veteran of the side, Clarke is considered one of the team's top young talents and has led the side twice before in the absence of Ponting - both Twenty20 victories.
"To be awarded the vice-captaincy of the Australian cricket team is greatly exciting and something that I am extremely proud of," Clarke told the Cricket Australia website.
"It was always my dream to play Test cricket for Australia and to be named as the vice-captain of what is an elite side, containing many wonderful players, is a huge honour."
Clarke admitted he is looking forward to learning from the regular captain and is relishing the opportunity ahead of the first Test against West Indies in Jamaica, which begins on May 16th.
"I am really looking forward to growing in the role and learning as much as I can from the senior members of the Australian side, especially as we embark on the next 12 months of cricket with our upcoming tour of the West Indies," the New South Welshman added.
Since making his Test debut against India in 2004, Clarke has scored more than 2,000 runs for Australia – including six centuries at an average of 46.45.
He has also played in 132 ODIs, scoring 3,920 runs with a similarly impressive average of 44.04.