Michael Clarke

Michael Clarke is among those rare Australian cricketers who saw his side’s fortunes go a full circle through his career. As a young prodigious talent, he was part of the invincible side that mercilessly hammered opponents and as he matured, the team started to age a bit which meant that the golden era was about to come to a halt.

Finally, when he was appointed captain, it was time to rebuild but his aggressive brand of leadership saw Australia briefly reaching top ranking in Tests apart from an Ashes whitewash win and eventually, a World Cup title in 2015.

His ODI retirement was timed perfectly as he bowed out after the victorious campaign while in Tests, it came at the end of an Ashes series defeat. When a teammate who was also extremely close to him, passed away, Clarke took it upon him to control things despite himself breaking down emotionally. ‘Pup’ as he is fondly called, saw all the highs and lows that you would associate with the game.