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Clarke all set for T20 comeback

Hong Kong the unusual setting for former Australia captain's return to the sport

Twelve months ago, Michael Clarke was Australia's World Cup winning captain and set to embark on a successful two-Test tour of the West Indies.

Nine months ago, Clarke had called time on his decorated career after a 3-2 Ashes defeat in England.

And while his opposing skipper seeks run number 10,000 in England's second Test against Sri Lanka in Durham, Clarke is preparing for a match of an altogether different kind.

How times can change.

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Out of the game since that Ashes defeat (excluding one dalliance with Sydney grade cricket), the man they call 'Pup' tomorrow makes his way back into professional cricket via the rather bizarre path of Hong Kong's domestic T20 tournament.

Clarke landed in the territory on China's southern coast on Thursday night, and will play with Kowloon Cantons over the weekend in the two-day Hong Kong T20 Blitz tournament, joining former Western Australia gloveman Ryan Campbell.

True to his reputation, the two-time World Cup winner insisted he'd be well versed in his opponents' strengths and weaknesses ahead of the carnival of cricket.

"I'll be doing some research this afternoon," Clarke said on Friday at a Kowloon Cricket Club media event. "I spoke to our coach, Ryan Campbell, and said I need some footage of the opposition.

"Sounds like we've got some tough games on Saturday, but I'll be prepared, that's for sure.

"It's going to be a little tougher on the body than what I'm used to over the past six months – I haven't picked up a bat for a while – (but) I feel fit and healthy at the moment, and it's going to be a good challenge so I'm looking forward to it."

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Whether or not this two-day stint will lead to something greater for Clarke remains to be seen, and while he was reportedly in talks with the Sydney Sixers in February, the right-hander's lack of T20 experience (he played 34 times for Australia but has never played a BBL match), and his reputation as a caresser of the ball rather than a six hitter, may count against him when it comes to offers.

"There's parts of the game that I certainly missed, and now I've got an opportunity to come back and play," Clarke said.

"I like the fact that Twenty20 cricket only goes for three hours. It's something I haven't focused on throughout my career.

"I certainly don't have any ambition to play Test and one-day cricket, and international Twenty20 cricket, but I think there's probably a little desire there to come and play in tournaments like this.

"This will just be a sample to see if I've missed it as much as I thought I have.

"I love the fact that I'm here. I've said for a long time that through my career I would've loved to have done this earlier but because we're so busy, we're on the road so much, you don't get the opportunity when you're playing for Australia.

"Now I've got the time, hopefully I can do more of it."

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