Friday 17 April 2015 09:44, UK
Michael Clarke will captain the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League later this year.
Australia's Test skipper last played a Twenty20 match almost three years ago and is yet to appear in the Big Bash having resigned as Sydney Thunder captain last year.
But Clarke's recent retirement from one-day internationals has left space in his calendar, and he will play alongside Kevin Pietersen and Luke Wright at the Stars.
"I've been fortunate throughout my career to have success in the Test format and in the most recent one-day World Cup," Clarke said on the BBL's official website.
"There's a goal I haven't achieved yet and that's trying to help a team win the BBL and I look forward to the challenge over the next couple of years trying to help the Melbourne Stars.
"I'm really confident. We have a fantastic team and have done for a few years now. I'm hopeful I can help contribute and bring a title to the Melbourne Stars."
Clarke has a summer Ashes series to negotiate before then, and he has not ruled out the prospect of Pietersen lining up for the opposition.
"I do think he could be at the Ashes," Clarke said. "His form, he's showed that, he's certainly scoring enough runs.He's made it very clear he wants to play and now it will come down to the England selectors."
