Michael Clarke to be inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame
Former Australian Test captain Michael Clarke has been labelled a “player who defined his generation” after confirmation he would be inducted in to the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.
Clarke, who captained Australia in 47 Tests as well as ODI and T20 level, winning the 2015 ODI World Cup as skipper, becomes the 64th inductee Hall of Fame, with two more players to join him as 2025 inductees.
Having made 8643 runs his in 115 Tests, including 28 centuries and a famous top score of 329 not out, Hall of Fame committee chairman, Peter King, said Clarke was a more than worthy inductee.
“In selecting Michael as one of the three Australian Cricket Hall of Fame inductees for this season, the selection committee was met with statistics of a player who defined his generation and at his peak was ranked the best Test batter in the world,” King said.
“More than that, Michael was an exceptional leader of our men’s Test and ODI teams who had a sustained period of success under his captaincy.
“Michael’s extraordinary first-class playing career started at just 17 at the SCG – the place where many of his highlights occurred, including a Test triple century against India in 2012.
“While often lauded for his batting prowess, Michael also excelled with ball in hand having helped Australia secure victory in the 2008 Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a spell of 3 for 5 in 1.5 overs with just seven balls remaining in the match.
“Michael’s career will forever be remembered fondly by the Australian public and his standing held alongside those at the upper echelon of our game. On behalf of the selection committee, we congratulate Michael on his very deserved induction into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame
Clarke’s career in numbers stands up with the best Australia has produced. Along with his Test haul, CLarke played 248 ODIs, scoring 7981 runs including eight centuries winning World Cups in 20017 and 2015 as captain.
Camera IconAustralian captain Michael Clarke in the dressing rooms after Australia defeated New Zealand in the Final of the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup at the MCG. pic. Phil Hillyard Credit: News Corp Australia
He also made 13,826 first class runs including 45 centuries after making his NSW debut against India in 1999 as a 17-year-old.
His Test debut was even more spectacular, scoring 151 against India in Bengaluru. He also took 6/9 in the fourth Test of the India series in Mumbai, his best bowling figures but not his best effort with the ball.
That was his spell of 3/5 in 1.5 overs in 2008 against India in the SCG twilight to give Australia a dramatic victory ensuring they retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and taking the team’s winning streak to 16 Tests.
Clarke also scored a century on home Test debut making his 141 against New Zealand at the Gabba in 2004.
His captaincy record at Test level was (24 wins, 16 losses, 7 draws from 47 Tests.
“I’m delighted Michael has taken his place in the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame as one of Australia’s best and most prolific batters and as captain of highly successful Test and limited overs teams,” CA boss Nick Hockley said.
“Michael’s elegant stroke play was a feature of Australian teams for over a decade. His application, temperament and leadership were exemplified throughout the many significant innings he played for his country, including leading Australia to World Cup victory on home soil in 2015.
“On behalf of everyone in Australian Cricket, I would like to thank Michael for his enormous contribution to Australian Cricket and congratulate him on this latest achievement.
“I would like to congratulate Michael on this momentous achievement and thank him for the immense impact he has had on Australian cricket.“
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