Michael Clarke had an outstanding career for Australia. Known as 'Pup' because of his boyish looks, diamond ear piercing, and bleach blonde hair, it didn't take long for the boy from Liverpool, New South Wales, to make his mark.
In a cricketing career spanning 12 years from 2003 to 2015, Clarke went on to play 115 tests scoring 8643 runs (fourth all-time amongst Australian batsmen) with an average of 49.10, including 28 centuries and 27 half-centuries.
In 244 One Day Internationals, he scored 7981 runs at a brilliant average of 44.58. Although he had numerous scrutiny on him during stages of his career, Clarke rose above it all to become one of Australia's classiest batsmen.
From an incredible 2012 to leading Australia to Ashes glory, Clarke's achievements speak for themselves.
Here are five memorable moments during his career.
5. Captaining the Australian Team to a 5-0 Ashes sweep of England 2013/2014
After losing the Ashes in England in August, Australia began their pursuit for redemption less than three months later.
And it would be sweet. Everything in the series went to plan for Michael Clarke as he and his men blew England away with sheer conviction. Clarke himself had an excellent series scoring 363 runs, including two centuries one of which was a knock of 148 in the second test in Adelaide.
His innings would steady the ship after the English fought back close to tea on the opening day. It would break England's resurgence as Australia were never headed.
Clarke became only the third Australian captain to lead the side to an Ashes sweep after Ricky Ponting (2006/2007) and Warwick Armstrong (1920/1921).
