Last night, Monday, September 7th. 2020, Michael Clarke AO was proposed for Life Membership of Cricket NSW.
Michael made his first class debut for New South Wales as a 17 year old in a match against the touring Indian side, at the SCG, in December 1999.
He became the Blues captain in 2012-13.
Overall, Michael scored 3,164 runs for NSW at 43.34, including eleven centuries. He contributed to two Sheffield Shield titles.
Wests Ashfield Leagues Club is a proud sponsor of Western Suburbs Cricket Club
At last night’s Cricket NSW Annual General Meeting, Western Suburbs President, Michael Swan spoke to Michael Clarke's nomination for Life Membership of Cricket NSW and the nomination was passed unanimously. Michael Swan spoke as follows:
“Thanks for the opportunity…..
Firstly, I spoke to Michael today and he is extremely disappointed not to be here.
‘Thank you’ to Cricket NSW for this opportunity.
It is a privilege to play a role in Michael being awarded life membership to Cricket NSW.
I, and many at Wests, have been fortunate to watch Michael’s career .......all the way from green shield and 5th grade to his incredible international career and captaincy of Australia.
I am sure all of us are aware of the amazing international career and stats............
I was lucky enough to play with, and captain, Michael on his way to NSW selection in the late nineties.
A couple of moments stand out for me.
Two seasons earlier, Michael played first grade for Western Suburbs as a 16 year old. He was picked as a left arm spinner that would bat 7 or 8. During that period we played against Balmain (now Sydney) and water had seeped through the covers and left a decent size wet patch on a pretty dangerous length.
Australian Test quick Simon Cook was steaming in and hitting the spot consistently, causing seasoned first grade batsmen to be jumping all over the place. We were ‘5 down’ pretty quickly with most of the top 6 having ‘worn a few’. Michael, as a 16 year old, was back and across and was getting behind this Test quick’s ferocious bowling. He had all the time in the world. That was the first sign, for me, that he would do special things on the cricket field.
The other one that stands out for me was Round 1 in the 2000-2001 season.
Michael had been picked for NSW the previous year. He had been picked without having scored a first grade 100 and this was extremely unusual, even unheard of back then.
So, Round 1 Wests played a very strong Mosman side. They had a heap of first class players and an attack that consisted of Shane Lee, Trent Johnston, Warwick Adlam, all Shield bowlers.
The Mosman boys set out to upset him. They reminded him of his ‘golden child’ status and lack of first grade 100’s……Michael then scored one of the better 100’s seen in grade cricket.
This was something I admired about Michael. He managed to score runs whenever he needed to most.
A 100 on debut for Australia, a 100 on returning to NZ after having to leave the tour for personal reasons. A 100 in the first Test after the tragedy and emotion of losing his great mate Phil Hughes.
His class, focus and determination were always clear.
His contribution to our club has been and continues to be incredible.
Michael returned to play first grade at Wests a number of times during his International career. He didn’t consider it a chore, instead, he loved being back at his Club.
He continues to support the Club. Last year he met with a couple of our players in a mentor role, sharing his incredible insight into batting. He gave hours of his time.
Opinions over the years on Michael have been many. Many opinions from those who have not met him. We know the incredible feats as a cricketer.
I have known him since he was 15 or so, and I know a very loyal, generous and considerate man and Western Suburbs are very thrilled that Michael Clarke is being offered Life Membership by Cricket NSW.”
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