Freshly anointed Test captain Michael Clarke admits he faces a challenge to win over the hearts and minds of a divided Australian public but has vowed to remain ''true to myself'' as he prepares to lead the one-day side to Bangladesh.
Clarke, 29, was yesterday confirmed as the new Test and 50-over captain a day after the resignation of Ricky Ponting. Shane Watson was promoted to vice-captain.
The new leadership duo's first task is overseeing an Australia team, which will include Ponting, for a one-day series against Bangladesh beginning on April 9.
Clarke acknowledged he had a big challenge on his hands to convince many outside the inner sanctum of Cricket Australia of his merits.
The Australia captaincy is, quite rightly, not a popularity contest but the new title bearer showed a willingness to address the subject yesterday.
''No doubt it's about how I conduct myself on and off the field,'' Clarke said.
''I need to continue to be true to myself. People are entitled to their own opinion. But it's important that I'm doing everything in the best interests of the team.''
Clarke remains at a loss to explain the leanness in public affinity towards him, the most infamous example of which was the booing of him by large sections of the crowd at the Gabba when he walked on to the ground during a one-day match against England in January.
However, as the winds of change begin to blow through Australian cricket, he appears determined to do his utmost to turn around the knockers in the course of leading the team out of its lowly ranking of fifth in the Test standings.
''I don't know the exact reasons why it's there but it is and I've had it probably my whole career,'' Clarke said of the criticism he had faced.
''I certainly don't sit here and believe I can get the whole of this country to like me.
''People are always going to have their own views but to me it's about respect.
''It's about earning that respect, leading the team in the right way, playing cricket in the right manner and hopefully I can earn the respect of the doubters that are out there''I think the public has seen a lot of who I am.
''I certainly believe they'll get to see a lot more now that I've been given this opportunity.
''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''
Clarke, at least, has the full backing of Ponting, who will now revert to being a batsman in the Australia line-up whose place is dependent, presumably, on form.
Ponting indicated on Tuesday he was more than happy to continue offering advice while respecting Clarke's leadership. The incoming skipper said Ponting's input would be more than welcome.
''I hope it does happen,'' Clarke said. ''I would love that to happen. He's got amazing experience, he's been an amazing cricket player. I'll continue to learn from him.
''I think Bangladesh will be a great test for that to see how it all unfolds. I know he'll allow me do my job to the best of my ability.
''I'm confident that if he can continue to play as well as he has done for such a long time, I'm certain it can work.''
Watson assumes the vice-captaincy of the Test, one-day and Twenty20 sides, the latter as deputy to Cameron White, as well as the unspoken title as a potential captain-in-waiting.
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