Clarke, 43, accepted the honor on Thursday, nearly a decade after closing the chapter on his remarkable playing career. He is the 64th inductee, with two more members to be named this season.
Making his first-class debut for New South Wales at the age of 17, Clarke led Australia to victory in the 2015 ODI World Cup and led the team in 47 of his 115 Test matches.
He continued his SCG performance with a double century in the fourth Test against India, before scoring two more double centuries against South Africa the following season.
In 2011, after England won the Ashes 3–1 in Australia, Clarke was made captain, succeeding Ricky Ponting. At his peak, he was rated the best batsman in the world. He was also on top for the Ashes whitewash in 2013–14 and retired at the end of the lost 2015 campaign in England.
“It was an honor to sit and watch so many amazing players, idols, role models growing up as a kid,” Clark said. “Retirement does a lot to you. Now during the various phases of watching cricket, you miss certain parts.
“When you play at the highest level, people talk about your international career, but for me, it started at the age of six. I retired at 34, so that was my life. It’s still part of my life.”
“Cricket – it’s probably very similar to life in general. You go out and make a 100 and then pick up the bat, and then you go out to field, field in the slips and drop a catch on the second ball of the game “
Australian Cricket Hall of Fame Chairman Peter King praised Clarke as a player who “defined his generation”.
“Michael’s extraordinary first-class playing career began at the age of just 17 at the SCG – where many of his highlights took place, including a Test triple century against India in 2012,” King said.
“The Australian public will always remember Michael’s career and his reputation will live on with those at the top of our sport.”
[ad_2]
