Lehmann excited by Clarke's return

Australia coach Darren Lehmann has welcomed news Michael Clarke intends to reverse his retirement decision and said his experience could prove invaluable to Australia's T20 ambitions.

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The news has already put some KFC Big Bash League clubs on high alert, with Sydney Thunder's Mike Hussey saying Clarke was "exactly what we’re looking for" as the champions look to reinvigorate their list for BBL|06.

Clarke today revealed he had "unfinished business" with T20 cricket and will make the first steps of a cricket comeback next month with his Sydney grade club Western Suburbs. 

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Australian cricket has benefited from retired greats such as Shane Warne, Steve Waugh and Matthew Hayden among others sharing their experience and insights with current and developing players.

"It's great to have one of the greats back," Lehmann told reporters in Sydney this afternoon.

"He's obviously missed the game, he loves the game, I'm pleased for him to come back. 

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"It's good to have those guys back that have been greats of the game. He'll be great for the young guys in whatever format and teach them how to play the game. 

"Which is what we want from our old guys, staying in the game."

Clarke had been signed to the Sydney Thunder while still an Australia player but international commitments prevented him from ever suiting up in lime.

Quick Single: 'Unfinished business' behind Clarke return

He then signed a two-year deal with the Melbourne Stars last April before pulling out of the first year of that following his international retirement. 

Hussey said the defending champions would be keen to try and lure the former Australia Test and ODI skipper back to Sydney.

"Would we be interested? I reckon," Hussey told News Ltd. "He’s an experienced player, top order player — that’s exactly what we’re looking for."

Hussey extended his own cricket career in the BBL after retiring from Tests, and signed off from a playing role with the Thunder by lifting the trophy in the BBL|05 final. 

WATCH: Hussey lifts the Big Bash trophy

Joining the 40-year-old Hussey in the BBL veteran ranks in BBL|05 were Mahela Jayawardena (38), Jacques Kallis (40), Brad Hodge (41) and the seemingly evergreen Brad Hogg (43) who hasn't ruled out a return for the Perth Scorchers next season.

By comparison, a 34-year-old Clarke claiming to be invigorated by a five-month break from cricket is a relative spring chicken.

Hussey said the T20 circuit was "perfect" for veteran players, and could provide the right mix to sate Clarke's competitive desires while not proving too onerous for his chronic back condition.

"You are not away from home as much. As an Australian player you are away 10 months of the year and it is really stressful and there’s a lot of pressure," Hussey said.

"Whereas in T20 tournaments, you can literally come in a week before – you train yourself prior of course – and you can enjoy the cricket and play the game as hard as you can. 

"You still satisfy that love of the elite contest but also get your time away and be back home with the family, and get to refresh mentally and physically each year.

"It's very much on your own terms and it’s a lot of fun, because you are very much still involved in the game."

Lehmann said first Clarke needed to "fall in love with the game again" but his path back to international cricket would not be fast-tracked: "He'll have to score some runs, as everyone else does."

Coach and former captain spoke on Sunday morning, and Lehmann said he had full confidence Clarke's back would not prevent him from making a successful return.

"He sounds in a really good space with his body," Lehmann added. "It was a really big concern for him over the past couple of years. He's really fit, he'll be good to go."