Sydney, Aug 19 : Australian captain Michael Clarke and his wife Kyly have reportedly bought a property in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, Australia, which they hope to convert into one of the world''s most elite cricket academies.

Clark confirmed that he and wife Kyly had purchased a spectacular property near Berrima.

He said that buying the estate was the first step in realising a lifelong dream to build his own cricket academy that would educate youngsters in all facets of cricket, including fitness, diet, technique and media skills.

"I have dreamed about doing something like this all my life but because of my playing schedule I never had the time to act on it. Kyly has played a big part in turning this dream into a reality," News. com. au quoted Clark, as saying.

The Australian captain said that as his cricket career would be ending soon and he would eventually have to retire or be dropped from the team, and with this academy, he would have something to look forward to.

"I''m at a stage of my career where I''m getting older and one day I''ll retire or be dropped. This gives me a great opportunity for a job after my playing career is over, doing something I can be proud of," Clark said.

Clarke expects the academy to be open for business within 12 to 24 months and will cater to local and overseas juniors. He has yet to discuss the project at length with Cricket Australia but insists he has no intention to compete against their Centre of Excellence in Brisbane, the paper said. (ANI)