AUSTRALIAN Cricket captain Michael Clarke hasn't ruled out a Shane Warne return to the Test team for next year's Ashes in England.

Indeed, he is so serious about the possibility that he has spoken to Cricket Australia about it on several occasions.

Earlier this week, Shane Warne tweeted that he would come out of retirement if Clarke asked him to. Warne later clarified his position, saying he meant that he "could" play, not "would" play, and that the scenario was just hypothetical.

But last night, speaking to finance guru Anthony Bell in a Q and A at the annual 'Sail With the Stars' fundraiser for The Loyal Foundation in Sydney, Clarke appeared to suggest a Warne Ashes comeback was more than just a hypothetical chance.

Joking that 'there are no media in the room' the always amiable Clarke spoke passionately about his admiration for the 43-year-old former Test spinner.

"Warnie is looking great and he is the fittest I have ever seen him," said Clarke.

"From the day he retired I've been trying to get him back in the team. I've asked him to come out of retirement a number of times.

"But there is a process that comes with coming out of retirement and he wouldn't be able to come out of retirement and walk straight back into the Australian team. He'd have to go and play some state games for Victoria.

"I've had the conversation with the Cricket Australia CEO a number of times over the past five years and the plan hasn't changed.

"I think he would be unbelievable if he decided to come out and play. And what an amazing mentor he would be for the team.'

Bell, a passionate sailor and philanthropist, hosted his 4th annual fundraising dinner for the Humpty Dumpty Foundation, who buy much needed medical equipment for children's hospitals.

The celebrity accountant filled the Westin hotel ball room with pals like Larry Emdur, Geoff Huegill, Karl Stefanovic, Anthony Minichiello, Phil Waugh, Daryl Braithwaite. Bell also pried out of Clarke that 'celebrity' isn't a word that sits well.

"I realised from a young age that when you are playing professional sport is not just about what you do on the field but it's also about what you do off the field,' said Michael Clarke.

"Through stages of my career I've learned that the hard way as well. But in saying that, you have a responsibility and a role whether you like it or when you are playing cricket for Australia you are a role model to kid and you accept that.'

As for the 'celebrity' attached to the role of being a leading sportsman, Clarke has wrestled with it.

"I still find the stuff outside of cricket quite difficult for me to deal with. I've never been the type of guy to be into the 'celebrity' that comes with playing the sport you love,' he adds.

"I wanted to play cricket for Australia and didn't want to be on the celebrity pages of newspaper and magazines, but you can't just have the good that comes with playing cricket for Australia.

"But all of that does help promote your image and your brand and it does help play a part in promote the business side of you.'

Last night the cricket captain was accompanied by his elegant wife, Kyly, and admitted he enjoys every moment he has with her or just hanging out with family and friends.

And for a man who, one year, spent just 19 nights in his own bed, Clarke likes nothing better than making 'home' time his holiday time.

"There is still nothing better than being in your own bed and own home but I'll never complain. You don't get to do it forever.

"Looking at Ricky last week, he was shattered when he had to retire.

"You realise how lucky you get to do what you do, but also how quickly it can go.'

Clarke has had to pull out of tomorrow night's opening round of the KFC T20 Big bash League at the SCG, due to back soreness following the third Test loss to South Africa in Perth.

Warne is playing in the Big Bash, but his commitment to the shortest form of cricket where he bowls just four over per match is a far cry from the preparations, time commitments and heavy bowling workload of an Ashes tour.

media_camera Michael Clarke and his wife Kyly at the Sail With the Stars fundraiser for The Loyal Foundation. Picture: Supplied

Originally published as Pup: King Warnie may spin again