Clarke vice-captain for Windies tour

Sydney: Australia's Michael Clarke has been named vice-captain for next month's West Indies tour, raising his prospects of succeeding Ricky Ponting as his county's next skipper.

The 26-year-old has captained the side in Twenty20 internationals, but selectors are beginning to groom him for the top job.

"We were thrilled with his performances as captain during the two Twenty20 international games this summer and believe he has outstanding leadership credentials," Australia's chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said.

Clarke's promotion was just one of a number of changes in the squad that will head out to the Caribbean.