Michael Clarke announces his retirement

[Bill Manspeaker]

I don't even know what to say

congratulations on a great career Clarkey.

I remember watching you play for NSW one day and claimed you from that day on. said to my mates "this bloke will be the next captain of Australia."

then you debuted against India in their conditions, coming in when we were in a little bit of trouble and scoring 151. I was so happy. then later on in that series, you picked up unbelievable figures of 6/9, against what is probably the best players of spin.

you've always copped hate. people loved to hate you. something that never made sense to me.

and it really makes me sad to see how your career has ended. I feel empty and almost robbed, as I feel you were pushed out and made to retire. it's a sad way to end such a great career.

I consider you a modern day great and no one will ever change my opinion of you.

thank you for the memories Clarkey.

[Jay]

It's sad that it had to end on what is probably the most disappointing series of my lifetime :(

[BratPack]

Great servant of the game and a great career


















He's still a knob though

[Nige]

The saddest part of all this is that he's battled injuries for the latter part of his career and that it had to end like this, a real shame.

Good player and a good captain, I hope he can bring that to the Stars this season,.

[henry]

Something that will also be remembered as part of his legacy is how amazingly well he dealt with the death of a man he knew as his brother, Phil Hughes. Having to manage the not only his grief, but that of the players their families and Phil's family has been unbelievable, particularly the way he has spoken about it and to the media, including the eulogy. As James Sutherland said when Clarke retired not many people had recognised the enormous burden he has had to carry throught that, and dealt outstanding well mate. Without a doubt amongst the best batsmen of the world at his peak, unfortunately cruelled by injuries but should go down as an Aussie great, with excellent leadership.

Well done on a great career Clarkey and good luck with next stage of life, probably the right time to go.

[Bill Manspeaker]

thought we could add some of our favourite moments from Clarke

Clarkey's 329

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XAEpLZvQLM

Here's my favourite.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f47U--Ur7OI

MJ Clarke 6/9

I wanted to put highlights of one of the doubles he made in Adelaide where he hit five 4's in one over, all flowering amazing cricket shots but I can't find it, so here is the 259* he made against South Africa in Brisbane

post some of your favourite moments, whether it be bowling, fielding, batting - whatever, it's all good!

please keep it positive :)

[Bill Manspeaker]

a brilliant run out http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=75O5FRTqe3E

[Jay]

Best player of spin I've ever seen!

[Capper]

Absolute brilliant player that was pushed in to the captaincy role after never captaining a team before.

Would have loved to see him keep going as a player but family and injury issues have obviously forced him in to retirement.

[colmullet]

Not a fan of everyone under the sun potting him on his way out, pretty bad form i reckon.