Happy birthday Michael Clarke; here're lesser known facts about him!
Michael Clarke is one of the greatest batsmen to come from Australia. Clarke was a part of the golden era of Australia that completely dominated world cricket. He was awarded the 'Australian Cricketer of the Year' title 4 times. In 2013, he was adjudged the ICC Cricketer of the Year. As Pup turns 37 today, here are some lesser known facts about him!
ICC remembers Australia's great
Only Australian to score tons on home and away debuts
Former Australian captain Michael Clarke made his Test debut against India in the year 2004 and scored a brilliant 151 in Bengaluru. In the same year, he then scored 141 against New Zealand at the Gabba, making him the only Australian cricketer to have scored a century on both his home and away debuts.
Clarke has a 6 wicket haul in Test cricket
While most of us remember Michael Clarke for the fine batsman that he was, do you know that he has a six-wicket haul in Test cricket? His best bowling performance of 6/9 came against India in 2004. Michael Clarke also has a 5 wicket haul in ODI cricket, boasting figures of 5/35.
Fourth Australian to score a triple hundred
In 2012, Clarke became the fourth Australian to score a triple hundred in Tests. His 329* against India in 2012 at Sydney is the highest Test score at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). He then scored a 210 in Adelaide, thus joining Wally Hammond and Don Bradman as the only men to score a triple-century and a double-hundred in the same series.
2012 was his finest year in cricket
In 2012, Clarke was at the peak of his powers. He scored 1,595 runs in Test cricket at an average of 106.33. He scored 4 double hundreds that year, making him the only Test batsman to achieve that feat. His 259* at the Gabba in November 2012 against South Africa is the highest Test score on that ground.
Led Australia to World Cup glory in 2015
Clarke was a brilliant captain and led Australia to World Cup glory in 2015. He led Australia in 74 ODIs and boasted a win-percentage of 67.57. He hung his boots having scored 7,981 runs in ODIs at an average of 44.58 with 8 centuries and 58 half centuries to his name. He was also a brilliant fielder in the slips and has 106 catches.
Took Australia to the pinnacle of Test rankings
Clarke led Australia to the number one ranking in Tests in 2014. His most iconic inning would be his gusty century in Cape Town which he completed with a broken shoulder. Clarke has scored 8,643 runs at an average of 49.10 in Test cricket. He has also slammed 28 tons and 27 half centuries in the 5-day format.
His memorable eulogy for dear friend Phil Hughes won hearts
Clarke was a close friend of former Australian Cricketer Phil Hughes, who lost his life in November 2014 after being struck on the head by a bouncer from Sean Abbott. Clarke couldn't hold back his tears during the emotional eulogy he gave at his friend's funeral. In the next match at Adelaide, he scored an emotional 100.
