Clarke eyeing T20 comeback
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has announced that he is making a comeback to cricket, five months after retiring from the game after the Aussies lost the Ashes series in England.
The 34 year-old Clarke will play for his grade side, the Western Suburbs, on 20 February, and said it his ambition to take part in the Big Bash League (BBL) and other T20 tournaments around the world.
The right-handed batsman says talk that he will play international cricket again is off the mark.
Clarke told Channel Nine Today: "I'm not really making a cricket comeback, because I (only) retired from international cricket, but now I'm playing for my grade club Western Suburbs.
"I got an invitation a couple of weeks ago to come back and play a game for Wests, and I said yes, and I really can't wait. I'm looking forward to it.
"Obviously I've seen the papers today, and it says I'm coming back to play cricket for Australia and all sorts of things, but my focus right now – I haven't picked up a bat for five months since I retired from international cricket – but Wests asked me to play, and I can't wait, so that is my focus right now.
"My focus is playing for Western Suburbs right now. If I miss it and love it like I'm hoping I do, then I'll be really focusing on the shorter form of the game.
"I still believe I have some unfinished business in the Twenty20 department of cricket, and you've got BBL, you've got IPL – you've got a number of tournaments around the world that allow you the opportunity to go and play that."
Latest
-
NewsBrendon McCullum took England job for challenge of improving ‘rock bottom’ team
The ex-New Zealand skipper should, pending visa approvals, arrive in the UK in time to lead a three-Test series against his home country next month.
-
NewsKeaton Jennings shines as Lancashire dominate Roses rivals Yorkshire
Jennings, Ben Stokes and Haseeb Hameed were all in excellent form with the bat in their respective matches.
-
NewsMichael Atherton believes Brendon McCullum’s appointment could be inspired one
The 40-year-old New Zealander is renowned as one of the sport’s most progressive thinkers.
-
NewsTaking on the world: The Kiwi who played his part in bringing glory to England
Brendon McCullum was the inspiration for England’s 2019 triumph, according to white-ball captain Eoin Morgan.
-
NewsA look at past overseas coaches of England’s Test cricket team
Duncan Fletcher, Andy Flower and Trevor Bayliss have held the role in recent years.
-
NewsWhat will Brendon McCullum bring to the England role?
The New Zealander will lead England’s men’s Test team into their new era.
-
NewsEngland appoint Brendon McCullum as men’s Test coach
The former New Zealand captain is understood to have signed a four-year contract.
-
NewsBrendon McCullum on the verge of being named England men’s Test coach
The New Zealander could be confirmed in his new role this week.
-
NewsHarry Brook eager to press England claims against ‘best ever’ James Anderson
The Yorkshire batter is relishing the chance to take on the Lancashire seamer in this week’s Roses match.
-
NewsEx-NZ captain Brendon McCullum favourite for England Test coach role – reports
The 40-year-old is said to have been interviewed for the position.