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AAP
AAP
Sport
Scott Bailey

Clarke's public feud puts India on ice

Michael Clarke is set to lose his Indian commentary role after his expletive-laden argument in Noosa, with the former Test captain in talks to take up a similar position in Pakistan instead.

The subject of headlines for the past week over his public spat with partner Jade Yarbrough, Clarke opted to stick to cricket on his return to Sydney breakfast radio on Monday.

Initially expected to talk on the matter when the incident broke last week, Clarke sat by as Big Sports Breakfast host Gerard Middleton was the only member to acknowledge it on Monday.

Middleton made the point that the issue was private, and the show wanted to move on from it.

"It is a private matter that Clarkey has been dealing with," Middleton said early in the show.

"A very, very private matter that unfortunately was made public. There are a lot of factors at play here, and Clarkey made his statement last week.

"We're moving on on the Big Sports Breakfast."

Middleton also said the show had received many text messages supporting Clarke, while others had been "sticking the boot in".

In response, Clarke only entertained jokes about his problematic right hamstring after it was also injured in the argument with Yarbrough and her brother-in-law Karl Stefanovic.

Clarke and Yarbrough have both been fined by Queensland Police for public nuisance, after the expletive-laden argument.

The issue has also placed Clarke's commentary contract with the Board of Control for Cricket in India at risk, with officials there now understood to be pursuing other Australian talent in his place.

Clarke did, however, reveal on radio he had been contacted to commentate on Pakistan's T20 league, as he praised the talent that will likely be on offer in the tournament.

Aside from that, Clarke kept his opinions to cricket matters on the field.

He claimed selectors would be "kicking themselves" for overlooking Steve Smith for the majority of Australia's T20 World Cup disappointment, after his back-to-back BBL tons.

"The Australian selectors missed a massive trick with Smithy in the T20 World Cup," Clarke said.

"They were set on Mitch Marsh batting at No.3. (Aaron) Finch tried batting No.4, Cameron Green had a go.

"Smithy gets back in the BBL and hits two hundreds in a row.

"He could've batted anywhere, he didn't have to bat at No.3."

The 41-year-old also said it was ridiculous Australia were not playing a tour match ahead of the first Test in India on February 9, with the team to rely on net and centre-wicket training.

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