He's retired from all forms of international cricket, but former Test captain Michael Clarke is leaving the door ajar for a possible Twenty20 or grade comeback.
While Clarke is blissfully content juggling his new role as doting dad with preparations for his Sydney to Hobart debut, the 34-year-old suspects he may well one day crave another crack at the crease.
"I'm really enjoying this time away from cricket but I'm pretty sure there's going to come a stage where I miss the game," Clarke said on Friday.
"If that does happen, I'll certainly come back and whether it's play for my grade club or play Twenty20, who knows. I haven't looked too far ahead."
Clarke was to have captained the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League, but decided to pull the pin on that a month after quitting Test cricket in August.
The Michael Clarke Academy has been his only cricket commitment in recent months - a refreshing change given his life has revolved around the sport.
"I've just really enjoyed some no-cricket time, to be honest," he said.
"I still see the scores and support the boys from afar, but I just needed a break. I started cricket at six years of age and 28 years without a break is a long time.
"So it's nice to have a summer and obviously having my beautiful little girl at home now, I'm spending most of my time with her."
But he remains active every day, in some shape or form.
"It's little things; taking my dog for a run and now I get to take my baby for a walk in the pram, which is good.
"But being fit and healthy and active has always been a part of my blood and with my (troublesome) back, I need to make sure I'm not carrying too much weight.
"Hopefully we have this conversation in 10 years and I'm still fit and healthy, but right now I've got a real clear goal in front of me to keep myself fit for Sydney to Hobart."
