Clarke, Johnson may not play Big Bash

Two of Australia's most sought-after stars, Michael Clarke and Mitchell Johnson, have still not made up their minds on whether to sign up for the new-look Big Bash next summer.

Clarke and Johnson had also decided against playing in the IPL. They are not keen to commit to Champions League Twenty20 to be held next year as Australia have a jam-packed calender.
Acoording to The Herald, even if Clarke decides to play, he is likely to sign up with one of Sydney's two franchises out of loyalty to New South Wales.

"I think it would make sense for Michael to think very seriously about the Thunder because he's going back to his roots, really, out there," Thunder chief, John Dyson, was quoted as saying by The Herald.

Johnson will announce Monday whether he would sign for Perth Scorchers or miss the domestic Twenty20 tournament to focus on the Test series against India.

"We want him to be part of the Scorchers and he very much wants to be part of our set-up. The only thing he's trying to get his head around is does he want to commit to a Big Bash League contract, because there are things that come with it like Champions League, etc.

"He's got to be clear in his head that he wants to do that and he'll let me know on Monday. He's certainly not signing anywhere else. It's either the Scorchers or he won't be available for Big Bash," Perth coach Mickey Arthur told the daily.

The Big Bash will clash with the India series and Australia's Test players will be available for only one or two matches with their franchises.