Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has pulled out of a deal to play in the Big Bash and will take an indefinite break from the game.
Clarke retired from international cricket last month after the fifth Ashes Test against England at The Oval.
The 34-year-old had signed a two-year contract to captain Melbourne Starsย in Australia's Twenty20 tournament.
"I just think my body and mind need time away from the game of cricket," he told Melbourne's Triple M radio.
Clarke, who has had a long-term back injury, said quitting the international game had prompted him to also consider his future in domestic cricket.
He said: "I just need to take myself away for a little while. Just to see what that's like."
Clarke retired from international cricket last month after the fifth Ashes Test against England at The Oval.
The 34-year-old had signed a two-year contract to captain Melbourne Starsย in Australia's Twenty20 tournament.
"I just think my body and mind need time away from the game of cricket," he told Melbourne's Triple M radio.
Clarke, who has had a long-term back injury, said quitting the international game had prompted him to also consider his future in domestic cricket.
He said: "I just need to take myself away for a little while. Just to see what that's like."
