Clarke was vice-captain on the tour to New Zealand earlier this year

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said he was keen to give Clarke the chance to prove his credentials.

"We've taken the chance to enhance his leadership skills to assure the history of strong leadership in Australian cricket continues," said Hilditch.

Clarke is seen as the most likely long-term replacement for Ponting.

Significantly, Clarke got the nod for Tuesday's match ahead of regular vice-captain Adam Gilchrist and Mike Hussey, who led the team during last February's Chappell-Hadlee series.

The decision seems to send a clear signal that Cricket Australia view him as the new generation player to take over when 33-year-old Ponting retires.

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The 26-year-old has made no secret of his desire for the job, but admitted he was "speechless" upon hearing the news.

"It certainly was a shock to me. I was a little bit speechless," said Clarke.

"It's any young kid's dream to captain their country. This is a great opportunity but there is no doubt Ricky is our leader and will be for a lot longer yet. I'm certainly proud and honoured to be given this opportunity."

Clarke was Australia's vice-captain during the tour of New Zealand earlier this year before he was sent home to recover from a hip injury ahead of the World Cup in the Caribbean.

The match at the Waca is a warm-up for the three-match Chappell Hadlee one-day series.

All-rounders Ashley Noffke and Adam Voges, batsman Brad Hodge and fast bowler Shaun Tait have been included in Australia's squad, while opening batsman Matthew Hayden has also been rested.

Australia (from): Michael Clarke (captain), Adam Gilchrist, Andrew Symonds, Michael Hussey, Brad Hodge, Adam Voges, Ashley Noffke, Brett Lee, Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Tait