Mahendra Singh Dhoni [Images] expressed happiness at being appointed captain of India's One-Day International team for the seven-match series against Australia, starting September 29.

"I am deeply honoured to become the Indian ODI team captain," Dhoni said on his newly-launched website (www.dhoni.org) on Tuesday.

• Dhoni's record in ODIs
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The 26-year-old Jharkhand wicketkeeper was handed the reins after Rahul Dravid [Images] stepped down last week, saying he wants to concentrate on his batting.

"I hope to justify the faith reposed in me," said Dhoni, who is leading the team in the ICC [Images] Twenty20 World Championship.

Dhoni has never captained a team in his career, but with Sachin Tendulkar [Images] reportedly turning down the offer, the selectors had no option but appoint him.

The series against Australia will be followed by a five-match ODI series against Pakistan in November.