Sydney Thunder may sign Clarke to play in Big Bash

Sydney, Aug 1 (ANI): Australia's skipper Michael Clarke could be a shock signing for Big Bash League franchise Sydney Thunder.

The Thunder has targeted Clarke as a marquee signing should they miss out on signing opener David Warner.

The addition of Australian captain Clarke to an already impressive batting line-up would be a coup for the Thunder, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.

The 31-year-old would be a perfect fit for the Western Sydney team - he grew up in Liverpool, played grade cricket for Western Suburbs and has gone to great lengths to promote the game in the area.

Clarke retired from Australian Twenty20 duties to concentrate on the longer formats of the international game. But after skipping the initial Indian Premier League seasons for family reasons, he made his debut for the Pune Warriors this year.

Clarke, who sat out the inaugural BBL season, would be a massive draw card to the tournament.

He would also bolster a Thunder batting line-up which includes West Indian opener Chris Gayle, renowned hitter Mark Cosgrove and Shahid Afridi. (ANI)