Michael Clarke AO to be inducted in the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame

Clarke becomes the 64th inductee into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, established by the Melbourne Cricket Club in 1996.

Two further former Australian cricket players will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this season.

Michael Clarke AO

Michael Clarke AO was a precociously talented batter who went on to become a dominant force in Test cricket while rising to the Australian Test, ODI and T20 captaincy.

Clarke played 115 Tests making 8643 runs at 49.1 including 28 centuries and 27 half centuries with a top score of 329*.

In 245 One Day Internationals he made 7981 runs at 44.58 including eight centuries and 58 half centuries with a top score of 130 and was a member of Australia’s 2007 and 2015 ICC World Cup winning teams – as captain in 2015.

Representing Australia, NSW and Hampshire, Clarke played 188 First Class matches making 13,826 runs at 47.02 including 45 centuries and 48 half centuries with a top score of 329*.

From Sydney, Clarke was just 17 when he made his First Class debut for NSW against India at the SCG in December 1999 and his outstanding technique and ability to accumulate big scores would inevitably command the attention of the national selectors.

After making his limited overs debut for Australia against England at Adelaide Oval in January 2003, Clarke was selected for the Australia’s 2004 tour of India. He made a spectacular impact on debut Bengaluru with his first innings score of 151 featuring the sparkling footwork against the Indian spinners that would be a trademark of his career.

Showing unexpected versatility as an occasional off-spinner, Clarke took 6/9 in the fourth Test of the India series in Mumbai which would remain the best figures from a Test bowling career that produced 31 Test wickets at 38.19 with two five wicket hauls. 

However, his bowling is best remembered for the 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 with his 141 against New Zealand at the Gabba in 2004. He also starred in the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies as he established himself at the highest levels of the game.

Clarke’s growing seniority was acknowledged when he was appointed Australia’s Test vice-captain upon the retirement of Adam Gilchrist in 2008 and he succeeded Ricky Ponting as captain in 2011. He would captain Australia in 47 Tests (24 wins, 16 losses, 7 draws).

In January 2012 Clarke began an incredibly prolific period when he became just the sixth Australian to score a Test triple century with an unbeaten 329 against India at the SCG in 2011/12. He would then score a double century in the fourth Test of the same series and a two further double centuries against South Africa in the 2012/13 season.

Clarke crowned his successful tenure as captain across three formats by leading Australia to victory in the final of the 2015 ICC World Cup at the MCG, his last one day international.

Peter King, Australian Cricket Hall of Fame Chairman, said:
“On behalf of the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame Committee, it is my great pleasure to announce Michael Clarke AO as the first inductee to the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame for the 2024/25 season.

“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.

“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.”

Nick Hockley, Cricket Australia CEO said:
“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.
 
“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.”

Greg Dyer, Australian Cricketers’ Association Chair said:
“Michael Clarke’s legacy is not only defined by his extraordinary and consistent achievements on the field, but also by the pivotal role he played during a successful era in Australian cricket history.
“As captain, his leadership steered the team to numerous victories, ensuring Australia remained a dominant force in the sport. 
“Michael has always been a passionate supporter of cricket at every level, from the grassroots in local clubs, to Premier cricket and beyond, believing that a strong foundation is essential to the future of the game.
“His commitment to fostering the growth of cricket at every stage speaks to his enduring love for the sport and his belief in its power to unite and inspire future generations.

“I would like to congratulate Michael on this momentous achievement and thank him for the immense impact he has had on Australian cricket."

About the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame
 
The Australian Cricket Hall of Fame was first proposed by the Melbourne Cricket Club in 1995.
 
With the support of Cricket Australia and Cricket Victoria, the Hall of Fame was officially opened by the then Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable John Howard MP in 1996.
 
The selection philosophy for the hall of fame focuses on the players’ status as sporting legends in addition to their outstanding statistical records.
 
The selection panel is made up of representatives from all areas of cricket. Chaired by former Victorian cricketer and Melbourne Cricket Club representative Peter King, four Australian Cricket Hall of Fame inducted players are joined by the respective CEOs of Cricket Australia and the Australian Cricketers’ Association, along with two representatives from the media.
 
All inductees must have been retired from international cricket for a minimum of five years to be eligible for selection.
 
An inaugural group of ten players were inducted in 1996, and a further 51 players have been welcomed since:
 
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
Inducted 1996 - Fred Spofforth, John Blackham, Victor Trumper, Clarrie Grimmett, Bill Ponsford, Sir Donald Bradman, Bill O’Reilly, Keith Miller, Ray Lindwall and Dennis Lillee
Inducted 2000 - Warwick Armstrong, Neil Harvey and Allan Border
Inducted 2001 - Bill Woodfull and Arthur Morris
Inducted 2002 - Stan McCabe and Greg Chappell
Inducted 2003 - Lindsay Hassett and Ian Chappell
Inducted 2004 - Hugh Trumble and Alan Davidson
Inducted 2005 - Clem Hill and Rod Marsh
Inducted 2006 - Monty Noble and Bob Simpson
Inducted 2007 - Charles Macartney and Richie Benaud
Inducted 2008 - George Giffen and Ian Healy
Inducted 2009 - Steve Waugh
Inducted 2010 - Bill Lawry and Graham McKenzie
Inducted 2011 - Mark Taylor and Doug Walters
Inducted 2012 - Shane Warne
Inducted 2013 - Charlie Turner and Glenn McGrath
Inducted 2014 - Mark Waugh and Belinda Clark
Inducted 2015 - Adam Gilchrist and Jack Ryder
Inducted 2016 - Jeff Thomson and Wally Grout
Inducted 2017 - David Boon, Matthew Hayden and Betty Wilson
Inducted 2018 - Norm O’Neill, Ricky Ponting and Karen Rolton
Inducted 2019 - Cathryn Fitzpatrick, Dean Jones and Billy Murdoch
Inducted 2020 - Sharon Tredrea and Craig McDermott
Inducted 2021 - Johnny Mullagh, Merv Hughes and Lisa Sthalekar
Inducted 2022 – Justin Langer and Raelee Thompson
Inducted 2023 – Marg Jennings and Ian Redpath
Inducted 2024 – Michael Clarke. Two further inductees to be named.
 
SELECTION PANEL as at December 2024
Chair, former Victorian player and Melbourne Cricket Club representative Peter King
Australian Cricketers’ Association CEO Todd Greenberg
Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley
2002 ACHOF inductee Greg Chappell
2014 ACHOF inductee Belinda Clark
2021 ACHOF inductee Lisa Sthalekar
2011 ACHOF inductee Mark Taylor
Journalist Greg Baum
Journalist Ben Horne