Clarke has 'the brain' to flourish: Bracken

Sydney, Dec 10 (UNI) The appointment of Michael Clarke as the new Twenty20 captain has raised many eyebrows but speedster Nathan Bracken asserts that his state teamate has 'the brain' to succeed in the job.

Clarke will briefly take over the mantle of the Australian side, when they take on New Zealand in a Twenty20 match in Perth ahead of the Chappell-Hadlee one-day series.

Bracken said Clarke's elevation to lead an Australian team for the first time is an exciting development.

''It will be interesting, he will add something fresh to the side, particularly if he keeps bringing everything he has brought in the last two or three years of international cricket,'' Bracken was as quoted as saying by the Australian Australian Associated Press.

''He is going to be good, exciting and his performances have shown he is good enough at this level, and he has got the brain to do it.

''He is always happy to help out, give advice and give his opinion on things, and gives us something else. On Tuesday, it is about him getting it out there,'' he said.

The 30-year-old left-armer said the coming Test series with India is undoubtedly the main dish of the summer, but the Australians at the moment are solely concentrated on the Kiwis for starters.

''For us it is about this Twenty20, and then the Chappell-Hadlee -- at the moment we don't have that trophy and it is something we want,'' he said.

''We are out there to play well. Getting the basics right, and then we can take it into one-day cricket.'' With regular captain Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden sitting out for the match, Ashley Noffke, Brad Hodge and WA captain Adam Voges will add a different flavour to the Aussie squad.

Bracken said that although tomorrow night was not the biggest game of the summer, it could be important for those who are trying to cement their place in the side.

''In the last 12 to 18 months every guy who has played for Australia, wanted to take the opportunity as best as they can and put their hand up,'' Bracken said.

''For these guys such as Ashley Noffke and Brad Hodge it is an opportunity to put their hand up again and show, they are good enough to be the next in line.'' UNI