Michael Clarke Announces Return To Cricket After Four-Month Retirement

After calling time on a career that tail-ended an era of utter Australian dominance before moulding the nation’s new guard, Michael Clarke has announced he’s taking another crack at this whole cricket thing. 

The former Australian skipper will be putting on the pads for NSW’s Western Suburbs grade cricket club late next month in a match against Randwick-Petersham, but Pup is already looking to return to the game’s more prominent fields.

“I’ve ­realised the game of cricket is in my blood. I’ve been looking for an outlet to replace what I’ve chosen to walk away from… 

There’s BBL next summer, I’d love to be a part of that, IPL, county cricket. There’s possibly even Sheffield Shield cricket for NSW.”


Even then, Clarke hasn’t said no to the possibility of donning the Baggy Green again, making the comment he’d “never say never to anything”. Despite his undeniable record at the absolute top level of the game and four Allan Border medals to his name, his decision has already brought some scrutiny.

The 34-year-old called it a day after a final, less-than-stellar Ashes performance (which we will discuss no further) and significant injury issues with his back; he says that latter issue has largely resolved itself, allowing him to pick his game right back up. 

“To step away from cricket for four months has been great, I have found my body has enjoyed it and my mind has really enjoyed it too.”

Somewhere, Steve Smith’s longing eyes furrow, darkening even further. 

Source: Fairfax / Cricket Australia. 
Photo: Ryan Pierse / Getty.

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