Clarke to lead Australia in T20 tie against NZ

While Ponting will skip the match, Gilchrist will be Clarke’s deputy against the Kiwis.

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch made it clear that Cricket Australia was looking into the future when it decided to appoint Clarke as the captain of the 12-member side.

“We have the taken opportunity to enhance the leadership skills of Michael Clarke to assure the long history of strong leadership of Australian cricket is continued into the future,” Hilditch said.

Adam Voges, Ashley Noffke and Shaun Tait have found places in the squad, while Matthew Hayden will join Ponting in the sidelines.

“The selection of this squad represents a clear indication from the National Selection Panel that we will at all times be picking Twenty20 sides which will be specific to this form of the game,” Hilditch said.”

This is the commencement of our preparation for the World Twenty20 in England in 2009 and the selection is consistent with the management of our senior players in all forms of the game.

“We are taking the opportunity to look at some of the young and exciting talent around the country who have regularly performed to a very high standard in interstate competitions to date,” he said.

“In particular we rewarded Ashley Noffke and Adam Voges for their outstanding summers,” added Hilditch.

Twenty20 squad: Michael Clarke (c), Adam Gilchrist, Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Brad Hodge, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Ashley Noffke, Andrew Symonds, Adam Voges and Shaun Tait.