Former Australian captain Michael Clarke will not play in this summer’s Big Bash League, instead opting to join the Nine Network’s commentary team.
Clarke’s cricket future was again thrown into the spotlight on Thursday when it was announced he would play the the opening three matches of the Sydney grade competition for his Western Suburbs club.
However he has now announced he will focus on his off-field career rather than making his BBL T20 debut.
“Really excited to announce that I will be part of the Channel Nine commentary team this summer,” Clarke said in a video message on Twitter.
“It will preclude me from playing in the BBL, but I will be out there playing with my old club Western Suburbs. Can’t wait.”
Players have previously managed to mix commentary and playing duties, with fast bowler Brett Lee most recently doing so prior to his retirement in 2014-15.
However Clarke has opted against the move in what will be his first full season in the commentary box.
The 35-year-old is still yet to debut in the BBL, having turned his back on a contract to captain the Melbourne Stars for two seasons following his retirement from the sport after last year’s Ashes series.
He has since only played one match for Western Suburbs and as a marquee player in an inaugural Hong Kong T20 Blitz competition.
He also announced his retirement from the international form of the Twenty20 game upon taking up the Test captaincy at the start of 2011.
However he had been in discussions with Cricket NSW as recently as last winter regarding a return with one of the Sydney-based teams for this summer’s competitions.
That now won’t eventuate though, seemingly spelling an end to any serious return to cricket at a professional level.
The real SC
Roar Rookie
It would be nice to have Clarke in the commentary. Not just the constant bias coming from Brayshaw, Chappelli, Tubby, Heals. I think he should do a better job. Some say that he is cringeworthy to listen to but he is trying his best.
deccas
Guest
I love that channel 9's thinking went like this "Our commentary is being universally derided what do we need? I know, another ex captain to come in and be part of the boys club, ripper that'll do." And then someone went and okayed it. Fire them all, get in 5 people from the crowd at total random, and you'll get far better commentary.
Mattatooski
Guest
I must be one of a select few who actually like Ian Healy as a commentator. I think he is the funniest of the lot and insightful. Sometimes insightful.....
Timmuh
Roar Guru
Ten's team are just as bad, leaving Slater aside as he is a special case, but it suits the T20 format better and its not seven hours of it for five days.
HereForCricket
Guest
Couldn't agree more, my least fav are heals and slats truly awful non insightful cheerleaders, when clarkey had a brief stint he was some what better however it's relative to the rest, I do however think it won't be to long until he's drinking the kool aid!
Train Without A Terminus
Guest
The last thing they should be looking for is "charisma". Clarke will add a measure of thought to the banal offerings of "slats", "tubby", "heals" et al.
Doogs
Guest
I quite liked the times he filled in on the commentary team. I felt he was insightful and definitely has a cricket brain for it. In terms of being objective, well I have only met a handful of people in my life that have been objective. Most of the Roar's authors have their favourites and those they dislike. Clarke does not fit the regular Aussie mould and for reason this drives people nuts. The Aussie mould is vastly over-rated anyway.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Ponting is a gun.
matth
Guest
They are up against it, with Ponting and Gilchrist showing them up on Ten, so they needed some younger blood with more relevant views
matth
Guest
I thought Mike Hussey did ok. Ponting as well, although he waited a bit longer after retiring.
The Bush
Roar Guru
I actually agree with you here David. I don't think Clarke is a good choice here, he's too close to too many of these players (Smith, Warner, Lyon, Starc, Khawaja). He'll either be too critical or too in love. Either way, hard to see how he's going to be objective about players he used to captain himself. There should be some sort of moratorium on ex-players enter the box for five years after they finish playing.
Timmuh
Roar Guru
Nine don't need reasoning. Just anyone they can quickly convert into a Nine boofhead that's willing to spruik The Block and whatever new flop is coming for 2017.
richo
Guest
Not sure of Channel Nines reasoning here, I know they like ex-captains but I dont think Michael has the charisma for it and the commentary team at 9 are short of charisma these days. Mark Taylor is impressive but the rest annoy me at times especially Ian Healy. The best commentators are on 10 with the big bash.
David Lord
Expert
Bloody hell, an entire summer of Michael Clarke constantly telling Channel Nine viewers what Steve Smith should have done with his bowling changes, and field placings. The thought makes the season already boring.