Melbourne, Oct. 16: Michael Clarke was on Friday appointed skipper of the Australian Twenty20 side, almost a month after incumbent Ricky Ponting quit the shortest format of the game to concentrate on Tests and one-dayers.

All-rounder Cameron White has been named Clarke’s deputy. Ponting had retired last month.

The 28-year-old Clarke said he is excited to lead the team in the newest form of the game and would try to follow in the footsteps of Ponting.

"I have learnt a lot from Ricky Ponting over the last few years and would continue to do so. I’m really excited to lead Australia in the newest form of the game," Clarke said.

"Naturally, we’ll target the ICC World Twenty20 in the Caribbean next year and I feel we have plenty of talent to genuinely mount a challenge in that tournament," he added.

Clarke also praised White and said he will be a good support.

"Cameron White will be an excellent deputy and his recent form has been quite outstanding. He is a great player," Clarke said.

Ponting said Clarke has developed maturity in his game and had led the side perfectly in his absence. "Michael has continued to grow as a player and a leader. We have developed a strong working relationship and he has always led the team well in my absence," Ponting said.

— PTI