Country must come before lucrative Twenty20 league: Clarke

SYDNEY - Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke has said that players need to reconsider competing in Twenty20 leagues if it impacts their international performances.

Doug Bollinger and Mike Hussey arrived late to join the Australian team as they were participating in the Champions League Twenty20 in South Africa.

Clarke, who does not play in the IPL and pulled out of last year’s Champions League citing fatigue, said international commitments must remain the priority.

“You don’t have to play IPL. You don’t have to play Champions League. For me, personally, right now it is about representing my country and every game I can play for Australia, I will do that … If, as an individual player, you are tired or your body needs some rest, you need to make that commitment outside of international cricket,” he said.

“You need to, maybe, play less in the IPL or play less in the Champions League,” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Clarke, as saying.

Bollinger, who will form part of the Australian attack with Ben Hilfenhaus and Mitchell Johnson, however said competing in the T20 tournament and then making the long-haul flight to India’s north would not hinder him. (ANI)