Clarke chooses mic over Big Bash League

Former Australian captain Michael Clarke will not play in this summer's Big Bash League, instead opting to join the Nine Network's commentary team.

Clarke's cricket future was again thrown into the spotlight on Thursday when it was announced he would play the the opening three matches of the Sydney grade competition for his Western Suburbs club.

However he has now announced he will focus on his off-field career rather than making his BBL T20 debut.

"Really excited to announce that I will be part of the Channel Nine commentary team this summer," Clarke said in a video message on Twitter.

"It will preclude me from playing in the BBL, but I will be out there playing with my old club Western Suburbs. Can't wait."

Players have previously managed to mix commentary and playing duties, with fast bowler Brett Lee most recently doing so prior to his retirement in 2014-15.

However Clarke has opted against the move in what will be his first full season in the commentary box.

The 35-year-old is still yet to debut in the BBL, having turned his back on a contract to captain the Melbourne Stars for two seasons following his retirement from the sport after last year's Ashes series.

He has since only played one match for Western Suburbs and as a marquee player in an inaugural Hong Kong T20 Blitz competition.

He also announced his retirement from the international form of the Twenty20 game upon taking up the Test captaincy at the start of 2011.

However he had been in discussions with Cricket NSW as recently as last winter regarding a return with one of the Sydney-based teams for this summer's competitions.

That now won't eventuate though, seemingly spelling an end to any serious return to cricket at a professional level.