Batsman Michael Clarke has been named as Australia's new Test and one-day international captain following Ricky Ponting's decision to stand down.
Cameron White will continue as Twenty20 captain, with Shane Watson as vice-captain in all forms of the game.
Clarke, who was Ponting's regular deputy, recently led Australia in their 6-1 one-day series win against England.
He said: "It's a great honour but at the same time a great surprise as I wasn't expecting Ricky to stand down."
Cricket Australia chairman Jack Clarke said the 29-year-old had shown himself an able skipper when standing in for Ponting in the past, having already led the team in 24 one-day internationals.
"Michael has shown himself to be excellent with his on field tactics when heading the national side," he said.
Clarke, who plays for New South Wales, made his highest Test score in January 2010 when he hit 168 against New Zealand.
He was Australia's player of the 2009 Ashes series and is his country's 43rd Test captain after leading them in the final Test against England in January after Ponting was sidelined with a finger injury.
"I have always respected those who have come before me in this role and humbled to think of my name being mentioned alongside theirs," Clarke said.
