Clarke certain Ponting can be integrated

Michael Clarke's first task as the 43rd captain of Australia was to answer questions about the 42nd. Reintegrating a fallen leader into the dressing room is a problem an Australian captain has not had for more than a quarter of a century and even then Kim Hughes lasted only two more Tests before exiting the game completely. Ricky Ponting is in a far better state of mind than Hughes and believes he can last far longer, meaning Clarke will have to build a new era with the face of the old one looming large over his shoulder, starting with a one-day series in Bangladesh next month. "I certainly don't think Ricky is any elephant in any room," Clarke said at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday. "He's been an amazing player for a long time and I think Bangladesh is going to be a great test for that to see how it all unfolds. I know he will allow me to do my job to the best of my ability. If he can continue to play as well as he has done for such a long time, I'm certain it can work." Ponting's resignation led to the publication of more polls showing Clarke's unpopularity in Australia, but with his 30th birthday approaching this week he hopes to prove a growing maturity. "I'm getting a lot more grey hairs," Clarke said. "I don't think I've changed too much to be honest. Maybe my address has changed and I have a few more tattoos than as a kid, but I think the person inside is still exactly the same. Doubters "Hopefully I can earn the respect of the doubters who are out there. No doubt it's about how I conduct myself on and off the field". He said he will focus on the interest of the team. Clarke said to him, it comes down to respect and playing the game the right way. Shane Watson was appointed Clarke's vice-captain as Australia announced a squad of familiar faces for the Bangladesh tour, which comprises three one-day internationals in Dhaka between April 9-14. "We want to become the number one ranked team in all forms," added Clarke. "The key for me is we go back to old-fashioned basics and get better at the three major basics of cricket — batting, bowling, fielding." Australia squad: Michael Clarke* (NSW), Shane Watson (Queensland), Xavier Doherty (Tasmania), Callum Ferguson (S Australia), Brad Haddin (NSW), John Hastings (Victoria), Mike Hussey (W Australia), Mitchell Johnson (W Australia), Brett Lee (NSW), Tim Paine (Tasmania), James Pattinson (Victoria), Ricky Ponting (Tasmania), Steve Smith (NSW), Cameron White (Victoria). From Gulfnews