Australian World Cup-Winning Captain Michael Clarke Diagnosed with Skin Cancer, Shares Important Update

Over the last few years, Michael Clarke has undergone a dozen surgeries and procedures to remove cancerous tissue from his face and forehead.

Australian World Cup-Winning Captain Michael Clarke Diagnosed with Skin Cancer, Shares Important Update

Michael Clarke shared pictures of his recent surgery for the removal of skin cancer from his face. (via ESPN Cricinfo)

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Ex-Australian skipper and legend Michael Clarke shared an important update on his health, after revealing that he was once again diagnosed with skin cancer. The 44-year-old underwent surgery to remove the cancerous tissue and shared a picture of his nose after the procedure.

A towering figure in Australian cricket history, Michael Clarke is best remembered for leading the national side to ODI World Cup glory in 2015. His career spanned from 2003 to 2015, between which he played a total of 115 Tests, 245 ODIs and 34 T20Is. Clarke remains Australia’s sixth highest run-getter of all time, with 17,371 runs in 449 innings at an average of 45.26, including 36 centuries and 45 half-centuries.

Michael Clarke’s was named both the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year as well as the Test Cricketer of the Year in 2013. The former Aussie skipper, after announcing his retirement from cricket, had a brief career as a commentator before launching his Beyond23 Cricket Podcast on YouTube. He frequently interviews major cricketing figures, which has also seen the likes of Indian ODI captain Rohit Sharma and ex-IPL commissioner Lalit Modi.

The 44-year-old, despite having enjoyed a stellar cricketing career, has struggled with severe health issues. He shared a social media photo showing a small bump on his nose, which was the site of his most recent surgery for skin cancer removal.

The picture also carried a caption, through which Michael Clarke highlighted the need for people to stay vigilant about their health. He talked about the importance of early detection, prevention and regular checkups for such serious conditions. Clarke wrote:

Skin cancer is real! Especially in 🇦🇺. Another one cut out of my nose today. A friendly reminder to get your skin checked. Prevention is better than cure but in my case, regular check ups and early detection is key.

It is not Clarke’s first battle with skin cancer, having been first diagnosed in 2006. Over the years, the Aussie star has had multiple lesions removed, most recently in 2023, when he underwent surgery for basal cell carcinoma on his chest.

Michael Clarke’s struggle highlights the high incidence of skin cancer among Australians, a result of intense UV radiation. Stats show that two out of every three Australians are expected to be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer by the age of 70.

To educate and spread awareness about the skin conditions that Australians are at risk of, Michael Clarke also became ambassador for the Cancer Council in 2010. He has used the platform to advocate for preventive measures, while also underlining his personal experiences with skin cancer.

Beyond Australian Legend Michael Clarke: Several Other Cricketers Who Battled Cancer 

Former Australian skipper and cricketing legend Michael Clarke shared a picture of the surgery that he most recently underwent, for the removal of skin cancer from his face. The 44-year-old’s motivating caption, has brought attention to other cricketers who have also fought with cancer.

Michael Clarke, Yuvraj Singh, Sir Geoffrey Boycott cancer
Michael Clarke, Yuvraj Singh, Sir Geoffrey Boycott are the many players who have battled cancer. (via NDTV Sports)

Ex-Indian all-rounder and 2011 World Cup-winning hero Yuvraj Singh has the most inspiring tale, about how he made his comeback to playing cricket despite being diagnosed with a rare germ cell tumor in his lung. Singh even played with serious health issues during the 2011 ODI World Cup. He then underwent aggressive chemotherapy sessions, before making his comeback a year later, in 2012. 

Next is former English cricketer, Sir Geoffrey Boycott, who was once known for being the most outspoken voices behind the mic, having commentated for years until 2020. In 2002, he was however, diagnosed with throat cancer. Boycott underwent several procedures for the removal of four cancerous tumors, followed by 35 radiotherapy sessions, only to return to commentary two years later, in 2004. 

Several other prominent cricketing figures have faced similar health challenges. Former Zimbabwean legend Andy Flower was diagnosed with skin cancer on his right cheek. Additionally, former New Zealand batting great Martin Crowe was diagnosed with lymphoma twice, in both 2012 and 2014.

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