Clarke opts for WWOS gig over Big Bash deal

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has revealed he has struck a deal to join Nine's Wide World of Sports commentary team this summer.

Clarke did not disclose the extent of his involvement in the commentary team in his tweeted announcement, or if it would extend to Nine's season-opening Matador Cup coverage. Australia play Tests against South Africa and Pakistan, one-day games against New Zealand and Pakistan and T20s against Sri Lanka this summer.

But he did say the commentary gig would prevent him playing in this summer's KFC Big Bash League, although it remained unclear if any club had shown interest in recruiting his signature.

However, Clarke has committed to a return in Sydney's Premier Cricket competition.

Clarke had previously done short stints on Nine's commentary, including while still captain of the Australia team during the 2014-15 Test series against India. 

Clarke will suit up again with Western Suburbs for the opening three rounds of Premier Cricket – all one-day matches – which begins on Saturday September 24 against Mosman at Allan Border Oval.

His following two matches will be against Randwick Petersham and Parramatta, with all three matches away from Western Suburbs’ home ground of Pratten Park.

Last February, the right-hander scored 48 and 30 playing for Wests.

The 35-year-old has played just two Twenty20 matches, for Kowloon Cantons in May’s Hong Kong T20 Blitz, since retiring from international cricket after last year’s Ashes series in England.

A veteran of 115 Tests and 245 One-Day Internationals, Clarke hasn’t ruled out a comeback to domestic cricket in the KFC Big Bash League, but won’t feature for his state side NSW Blues.

"Michael has decided against returning to elite cricket with the NSW Blues," a Cricket NSW spokesman told News Corp in June.

Clarke was signed to the Melbourne Stars for BBL|05 but eventually turned down that contract after his Ashes exit, but has said T20 cricket is his most likely avenue for a return to cricket.

"There's parts of the game that I certainly missed, and now I've got an opportunity to come back and play," Clarke said ahead of playing with Kowloon.

"I like the fact that Twenty20 cricket only goes for three hours. It's something I haven't focused on throughout my career.

"I certainly don't have any ambition to play Test and one-day cricket, and international Twenty20 cricket, but I think there's probably a little desire there to come and play in tournaments like this.

"This will just be a sample to see if I've missed it as much as I thought I have.”

Clarke scored 6 and 15 in the rain-marred tournament in Hong Kong.