Michael Clarke set for return to Aussie TV after infamous Noosa saga

Michael Clarke is set to make his long-awaited return to Australia's summer cricket coverage, less than 12 months since losing a lucrative commentary gig in the wake of the Noosa scandal. Clarke found himself at the centre of unwanted headlines in January when amateur footage captured him in a slanging match with his ex-girlfriend Jade Yarbrough and Channel Nine presenter and good mate, Karl Stefanovic.

The video of a shirt-less Clarke quickly went viral and Jade Yarbrough - the sister of Stefanovic's wife Jasmine - could be heard accusing the cricket icon of cheating on her with his ex-girlfriend and activewear mogul Pip Edwards. Clarke has consistently denied the accusations.

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The controversy ultimately cost Clarke a lucrative overseas commentary role for Australia's Test series in India in February. The 42-year-old has not appeared on television as part of Australia's cricket coverage since Channel 9 lost broadcast rights to Channel 7 and Foxtel in 2018.

However, the former Aussie captain is set to make his Aussie TV comeback for the summer of cricket as part of ESPN's new program, Around the Wicket. Clarke will feature alongside other former Aussie cricket stars including include Mike Hussey, Aaron Finch and Callum Ferguson.

The show will be in the form of a panel-style discussion program that provides previews and reviews of Australia's Test matches over the summer, as well as the raft of other domestic fixtures for men's and women's cricket around the country. The show will debut this Wednesday on Foxtel and Kayo Sports and comes on the eve of Australia's first Test against Pakistan, starting in Perth on Thursday.

“Clarke brings his experience as a former Australian cricket captain, in a career spanning 115 Test matches and 245 One Day Internationals,” a statement for the show read. “The former captain enjoyed a highlight reel cricketing career, from his 151 on Test debut in India to 6/9 matchwinning bowling performance and historic 329 (not out) career high innings at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

“Around The Wicket will preview and review the big international matches across the Australian summer, with episodes airing both on the eve and conclusion of each Test match against Pakistan and the West Indies, Women’s Test series against India and Twenty-20 Big Bash.” The show will also be available as a podcast.

Michael Clarke reveals toll of Noosa scandal

Clarke has forged a successful career in broadcasting as a regular panelist on Sky Sports Radio's Big Sports Breakfast program. His return to TV screens around Australia comes after he expressed remorse for the Noosa scandal during an appearance on Nine’s A Current Affair earlier this year.

Clarke said he didn't blame anyone for the ugly fracas but revealed how the public fallout over the incident had a massive impact not only on his life, but his loved ones as well. The former Aussie captain said he felt awful for his seven-year-old daughter, who he says had to try and hide from camera crews trying to get snaps of the 42-year-old and his family.

“She’s getting photographed or hiding in the bushes and telling you and teachers that there’s a photographer. She is seven and she knows. ‘Daddy, there’s paparazzi.’ She is seven and she knows that,” Clarke shared. The 42-year-old had previously described his actions as "nothing short of shameful and regrettable".

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