Clarke opts out of Big Bash to concentrate on Tests
July 22nd, 2011 - 4:50 pm ICT by IANSMelbourne, July 22 (IANS) Australian Test captain Michael Clarke has decided to opt out of the inaugural Big Bash Twenty20 League to concentrate on his Test preparations.
“With the greatest respect to everybody involved in the KFC T20 Big Bash League, I will not be committing for this year. My goal is to play Twenty20 cricket domestically, for sure. But at the moment, I want to prioritise my time and commitment to my role with the Australian team,” said Clarke.
“We have a big six months ahead, and my commitment and focus is with those teams. I am also only available for one BBL game this year, and that was a consideration as well,” he said.
Cricket Australia (CA) official Mike McKenna, who heads CA’s Big Bash management team, said CA would have loved to have Clarke on board for the new, eight-team competition.
“However, we understand and respect his decision - and while we will miss him, the KFC T20 Big Bash League already offers fans a galaxy of international and national stars which will help galvanise fan excitement in year one,” he said.
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Tags: bbl, big six, captain michael, cricket australia, excitement, galaxy, game, kfc, management team, melbourne, michael clarke, mike mckenna, national stars, six months, team competition, test preparations, year one