January 23, Sydney At the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday, Michael Clarke became the 64th cricketer to be inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame. Over the course of his incredible 12-year international career, the 43-year-old former skipper played 115 Test matches, 245 ODIs, and 34 T20Is, scoring over 17,000 runs.

Before retiring, Clarke led Australia to a historic ODI World Cup win at home in 2015 and led the team in 47 Test matches as captain, including the iconic 5-0 Ashes victory in 2013–14.

A spectacular 329* at the SCG against India, a maiden century of 151 in Bengaluru, a superb 151 in Cape Town, and a heartbreaking 128 in Adelaide after Phillip Hughes’ terrible death are just a few of Clarke’s batting achievements, which include 28 Test hundreds—the sixth-most by an Australian.

“To be able to sit alongside so many wonderful players, idols, and role models growing up as a kid and looking up to is something I’m honoured by,” Clarke said. “You go through a lot when you retire. You now miss chunks of watching cricket as it progresses. People speak about your international career when you’re playing at the top level, but for me, it began when I was six years old. It was my life since I retired at the age of 34. It continues to be a part of my life.

“Cricket and life in general are probably quite similar. After reaching 100, you raise the bat, go out to the field, field in slip, and drop a catch on the game’s second ball.

Hall of Fame chairman Peter King spoke at the induction, saying, “Michael’s incredible first-class playing career began at the SCG when he was just 17 years old. This is where many of his highlights took place, such as a Test triple century against India in 2012.”

“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.”