Michael Clarke Joins Australian Cricket Hall Of Fame

Michael Clarke was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame on Wednesday (January 23) at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The 43-year-old former captain became the 64th inductee to the list of legendary cricketers from the country.

Clarke enjoyed a stellar 12-year international career in which he played 115 Tests, 245 ODIs, and 34 T20Is, scoring more than 17000 runs. He led the Aussies in 47 Tests and led including a magnificent 5-0 series win in the 2013-14 Ashes series. He also led the team to a home ODI World Cup win in 2015 just before his retirement.

Among Clarke's distinguished batting performances in a stellar knock of 151 on their Test debut in Bengaluru. In total, Clarke scored 28 Test hundreds - sixth most for Australia - which included a 329 at the SCG against India, a 151 in Cape Town, and an emotional 128 against India at Adelaide shortly after the sad demise of Phil Hughes.

Clarke's Reactions to his inclusion

"I'm thrilled to bits to be able to sit alongside the legends who have done some good things for Australian cricket. Retirement does bring in a lot of thoughts and changes in you, you miss those epic moments of the game when you play people talk about your career but, for me, this journey began when I was 6. I announced my retirement at 34 so it was my life, and it's still a part of my life"

"Cricket is similar to normal in general terms you score a ton while batting first, raise your bat soak in the applause, and then you get back on and stand at the slips and drop a sitter"

Speaking at the induction, Hall of Fame chairman Peter King stated:

Peter King on Michael Clarke

"Michael's legendary first-class career started here at the age of 17 at the iconic SCG, where he scored plenty of runs including a triple ton against India in 2012"

"Michael's career will be fondly remembered by the Australian crowd for his memorable performances."