Almost 12 months since losing a high-profile commentating gig over the infamous Noosa stoush, Michael Clarke will return to discussing Australian cricket on air.
The former Australian skipper was dropped from a six-figure commentating gig set for India this year after footage surfaced of a public spat involving then-girlfriend Jade Yarbrough while on holidays in January, CODE Sports reports.
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But he is returning to the airwaves in a new show called Around the Wicket on ESPN alongside some fellow cricket greats which will analyse Australian matches this coming summer.
Clarke made his Test debut for Australia as a 23-year-old against India in 2004 and ultimately captained the side from 2011-2015.
He also led the one-day side to victory in the 2015 World Cup.
The 42-year-old hasn’t been involved in domestic commentary since Channel 9 lost broadcast rights to Channel 7 and Foxtel in 2018.
He has stayed involved in media with his gig on the Big Sports Breakfast and now joins a panel that will include Mike Hussey, Aaron Finch and Callum Ferguson.
Clarke was singled out in a statement from ESPN announcing the new show, which will debut this Wednesday on Foxtel and Kayo Sports and also be available as a podcast.
“Clarke brings his experience as a former Australian cricket captain, in a career spanning 115 Test matches and 245 One Day Internationals,” the statement read.
“The former captain enjoyed a highlight reel cricketing career, from his 151 on Test debut in India to 6/9 matchwinning bowling performance and historic 329 (not out) career high innings at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
“Around The Wicket will preview and review the big international matches across the Australian summer, with episodes airing both on the eve and conclusion of each Test match against Pakistan and the West Indies, Women’s Test series against India and Twenty-20 Big Bash.”