Clark skips T20 Big Bash

Melbourne - Australia captain Michael Clarke will sit out the inaugural season of the domestic Twenty20 Big Bash league to concentrate on international cricket.

Clarke said he planned to play T20 cricket domestically in the future but "at the moment, I want to prioritise my time and commitment to my role with the Australian team."

Australia is scheduled to play three Tests and five one-day matches during an August 6 to September 20 tour of Sri Lanka, before hosting Test tours by India and New Zealand in December and January.

Clarke said Australia has a "big six months ahead" in international cricket and his commitment and focus is with those teams.

The eight-team Big Bash begins on December 30 featuring Australian and international players.