Former Australia Test captain Michael Clarke is all set to return to commentary stint after an 11-month exile. Clarke was ousted from his commentary-cum-punditry stint after a high-profile altercation in Noosa with his ex-girlfriend Jade Yarborough. The 42-year-old cricketer faced severe consequences, resulting in the loss of a lucrative commentary role. However, he is now set for a comeback with ESPN Around The Wicket programme.
The show promises to provide insightful analysis on Pat Cummins’ apart from offering viewers a chance to hear Clarke’s perspective on the game.
“Clarke brings his experience as a former Australian cricket captain, in a career spanning 115 Test matches and 245 one-day internationals,” a statement from ESPN said
In joining this multi-platform program, Clarke will be reunited with former teammates Aaron Finch and Mike Hussey.
“The former captain enjoyed a highlight reel cricketing career, from his 151 on Test debut in India to 6-9 match-winning bowling performance and historic 329 not out career-high innings at the Sydney Cricket Ground,” the statement added.
The show will preview and evaluate the major international matches during the Australian summer. The episodes will air on the eve and end of each Test match against Pakistan and the West Indies, the women’s Test series against India, and the Big Bash League.
Before the Noosa incident, Clarke had been a consistent and valued presence on ICC and BCCI commentary. However, the fallout from the altercation led to his ouster from the broadcasting world.
Michael Clarke Noosa Incident:
The Noosa Incident involving Michael Clarke was a highly publicized and controversial episode in the former Australia Test captain’s life. Clarke found himself in a public altercation with his girlfriend, Jade Yarbrough during a holiday in Queensland. Videos footages revealed Yarbrough slapping Clarke across the face in Noosa.
The incident, captured on video, went viral, leading to significant repercussions for Clarke. The incident received widespread attention and scrutiny resulting in loss of a lucrative commentary role in India earlier that year.
