Michael Clarke will be revealed on Friday as the Melbourne Stars’ new captain.
Clarke has been strongly linked to the Big Bash League franchise over the past two months and it’s understood he has agreed terms.
Foundation captain Cameron White left the Stars in March, joining cross-town rivals the Renegades.
Stars president Eddie McGuire on Friday will formally announce Clarke is the club’s new skipper.
Clarke hasn’t played a Twenty20 match since turning out for the Pune Warriors in the 2012 Indian Premier League.
The 34-year-old was appointed Sydney Thunder captain for the 2012-2013 BBL season.
But having failed to get on the park due to his international commitments, Clarke stepped down from the post in 2014.
Clarke’s recent ODI retirement means he will be free to focus on the domestic T20 competition once the SCG Test is over.
“I’ve spoken to Michael – he’s a friend of mine,” McGuire confirmed in March on Triple M radio.
“We’ll have further discussions once the World Cup is out of the way.
“I’m hopeful … he’s the biggest star in Australian cricket and I’d love to see him alongside Kevin Pietersen.”
Clarke played his 245th and final ODI last month, guiding Australia to their fifth World Cup title with a knock of 74 in the MCG final against New Zealand.
The right-hander led the national T20 side from 2007-10, with Australia winning 12 of 18 games under his watch.
He retired from international T20 cricket after Australia’s 2011 Ashes loss at the SCG.
Clarke is not a renowned power hitter, but ranks among the world’s sweetest timers of the ball.
His tactical nous and aggressive captaincy would also have played a major role in the Stars’ interest.
Clarke, who recovered from hamstring surgery to play in the World Cup, was saying little when asked about the prospect of a BBL stint after winning the tournament.
“I haven’t thought too much about it,” he said.
“Now that the World Cup is over, I’ll have some time to have a think about what I want to do.”
Clarke’s T20 record
(including international and domestic fixtures)
* Matches: 46
* Runs: 737
* Average: 21.05
* Strike rate: 108.22
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