Michael Clarke
Michael Clarke – 'Pup' or "Clarkey" is the captain of the Australian cricket team. His domination since taking the reins of the Australian Test team sets him amongst the game's most prominent men as a highly regarded ambassador for his country and the sport of cricket.
Since bursting onto the Australian cricket scene in 2003 at the age of 21, Michael has made a name for himself as a prolific run scorer against the world's best bowling attacks, a master tactician on the field and a leader of a young national cricket team rebuilding after a series of high profile retirements.
In the test arena, Michael has notched up 27 centuries from only 105 matches – figures which only tell part of the story. It was his unforgettable, unbeaten 329* against India in Sydney in the 2011/12 season – and his four double centuries in a calendar year (2012) – that underlined his importance to Australian cricket. Those innings marked him as a batsman who is at his best when his back is against the wall, and will be a hallmark of his career as much as his aggressive attitude to run scoring.
If the team is desperate he has also been known to throw his arm over – with best figures of 6 for 9 against India in 2004.
In addition to being named the 43rd Test Captain of Australia, Michael names his career highlights being a part of the first series winning test team in India in over 30 years (2004), The Ashes winning team of 2006/7, and winning the World cup in 2007 in the West Indies. Michael won the prestigious Allan Border Medal in 2005 for his exploits in an incredible debut Test season, won it in 2009, 2012 and again for a record equaling fourth time in 2013.
Michael also has his roots firmly grounded in suburban Sydney. Having grown up in Liverpool in the city's south-western suburbs, Michael is a keen supporter of the West Tigers and still plays grade cricket for Western Suburbs.
Michael Clarke – 'Pup' or "Clarkey" is the captain of the Australian cricket team. His domination since taking the reins of the Australian Test team sets him amongst the game's most prominent men as a highly regarded ambassador for his country and the sport of cricket.
Since bursting onto the Australian cricket scene in 2003 at the age of 21, Michael has made a name for himself as a prolific run scorer against the world's best bowling attacks, a master tactician on the field and a leader of a young national cricket team rebuilding after a series of high profile retirements.
In the test arena, Michael has notched up 27 centuries from only 105 matches – figures which only tell part of the story. It was his unforgettable, unbeaten 329* against India in Sydney in the 2011/12 season – and his four double centuries in a calendar year (2012) – that underlined his importance to Australian cricket. Those innings marked him as a batsman who is at his best when his back is against the wall, and will be a hallmark of his career as much as his aggressive attitude to run scoring.
If the team is desperate he has also been known to throw his arm over – with best figures of 6 for 9 against India in 2004.
In addition to being named the 43rd Test Captain of Australia, Michael names his career highlights being a part of the first series winning test team in India in over 30 years (2004), The Ashes winning team of 2006/7, and winning the World cup in 2007 in the West Indies. Michael won the prestigious Allan Border Medal in 2005 for his exploits in an incredible debut Test season, won it in 2009, 2012 and again for a record equaling fourth time in 2013.
Michael also has his roots firmly grounded in suburban Sydney. Having grown up in Liverpool in the city's south-western suburbs, Michael is a keen supporter of the West Tigers and still plays grade cricket for Western Suburbs.
