While Michael Clarke still ponders a KFC Big Bash League comeback, Cricket NSW has confirmed the former Australia captain will not be seen in sky blue this summer.
Clarke has hinted at possibly returning to top flight cricket this summer in the BBL after walking out on his contract with the Melbourne Stars last year in the wake of his international retirement.
But there was also talk of the 35-year-old potentially suiting up for NSW for their defence of the Matador BBQs One-Day Cup this summer.
Cricket NSW confirmed in May they had spoken to Clarke about a return for the Blues, but the state association has confirmed the prolific right-hander will be not be part of the Blues' plans for 2016-17 in any format.
"Michael has decided against returning to elite cricket with the NSW Blues," a Cricket NSW spokesman told News Corp.
It's reported Clarke, who has not played for NSW since November 2013, would not be able to commit to the four-month Blues pre-season due to his business demands.
The Sydney Thunder's KFC Big Bash League title defence could be bolstered by the return of two international superstars this summer. While the reigning BBL champions are tight-lipped on who exactly will fill their two overseas slots this summer, Thunder general manager Nick Cummins confirmed on social media this week that both spots had been filled for BBL|06. West Indies star Andre Russell's success in his debut season in lime green makes him a 'must sign', and the Thunder will have been desperate to beat off rival BBL clubs to ensure his return, while England one-day captain Eoin Morgan also looms as a prime target for the Thunder. Russell – whose seemingly golden touch as a Twenty20 gun for hire has seen him involved in title wins in domestic T20 tournaments in Bangladesh and Pakistan as well as the Windies' World T20 triumph – finished the season as the top-ranked allrounder in the official BBL rankings, snaring 16 wickets and managing the highest strike rate (186.86) of any batsman who played more than two innings. Last month, Cummins said the club would look for a player with a lot of Indian Premier League experience to fill the gaps left by retired skipper Mike Hussey and South Africa legend Jacques Kallis, who appears to have made the transition to life as a coach after a stint as Kolkata mentor in the IPL. With former Australia allrounder Shane Watson already on their list, the Thunder's top priority is strengthening their batting line-up – particularly given Usman Khawaja will likely be engaged with international duties for much of the summer – while leadership experience is another priority. Morgan, who played four matches for the Thunder in BBL|04, ticks all those boxes.
source: http://www.cricket.com.au
