In the upcoming three-match Commonwealth Bank Series against Bangladesh instead of Ricky Ponting, the 14-member team will be led by Michael Clarke. Injured Pointing has been ruled out of the series because of the wrist injury. Mike Hussey will serve as the deputy to Clarke in the three-game series in Darwin on August 30 and September 3 and 6. The 27-year-old Clarke led Australia to successive wins over the West Indies in one-dayers in early July.

Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel (NSP) chairman Andrew Hilditch said, “"The series against Bangladesh is an ideal preparation for us with a busy schedule of international cricket over the next 12-18 months. The squad is an exciting mix of our senior players and our young emerging talent which performed so well in the West Indies.”

Despite suffering from a lingering achilles tendon problem the dashing opener Matthew Hayden was named in the squad. "Matthew Hayden has been selected in this side subject to fitness. His progress has been monitored closely by our physiotherapist and doctor and his overall participation in the series will be determined as we get closer to the date. The NSP has reserved the right to add a 15th player into this squad should this become necessary," added Hilditch.

However, according to Cricket Australia physiotherapist Alex Kountouris both Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden were making good progress in their recoveries.

This is not the first time that Clarke will lead the team. Earlier in July this year, the 27-year-old from New South Wales led Australia to successive wins in the ODI series against West Indies.

Australian Squad:
Michael Clarke (capt), Michael Hussey, Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Brad Haddin, Matthew Hayden, James Hopes, David Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Brett Lee, Shaun Marsh, Andrew Symonds, Shane Watson, Cameron White.