Michael Clarke becomes latest inductee in Australian cricket's Hall of Fame

In a formal announcement, Michael Clarke, one of the most prolific batters to have played for Australia, was announced as one of the three inductees into Australian cricket’s Hall of Fame class of 2024-25 on January 23rd (Thursday). The other two names will be revealed later on. 

Clarke, 43, turned out for Australia in 394 matches across formats in his 12-year-long international career. At just 34, Clarke retired from international cricket after his team lost the Ashes away in England during their 2015 campaign. 

The New South Wales player, who made his first-class debut in 1998 at the tender age of 17, went on to play for Australia just five years later in 2003 as a 22-year-old. 

His 8643 Test runs and 8469 runs in white-ball cricket, make him the fifth highest-scorer among Australians across the format. His 36 international tons (28 in Tests and 8 in ODIs) are also fifth highest for an Aussie batter in all formats combined. 

Reacting to his induction, Clarke scored a century on his Test debut against India in 2004 and said, “To be able to sit along so many wonderful players, idols, role models growing up as a kid and looking up to is something I'm honoured by.”

"Cricket - it's probably so similar to life in general. You walk out and make 100 and then lift the bat, and then you walk out to the field, field in slip and drop a catch, second ball of the game,” added the man who captained Australia on 139 occasions across formats.