Clarke, who was first diagnosed in 2006, revisited his health journey on The Kyle and Jackie O Show, saying he has had “a number cut out” of his face alone.
File Photo
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke opened up about his long battle with skin cancer, revealing that he has undergone multiple procedures to remove melanomas and other lesions from his face and body over the years.
Clarke, who was first diagnosed in 2006, revisited his health journey on The Kyle and Jackie O Show, saying he has had “a number cut out” of his face alone.
Advertisement
“I had one about four weeks ago off my nose, and I see my dermatologist every six months. The sunspots, I get frozen. Normally, if they’re basal cells, I get them cut out… I think I’ve had seven cut out of my face,” he said.
Advertisement
The 2015 World Cup-winning skipper has regularly used his public platform to spread awareness. In August, he posted a photo on Instagram after having a lesion removed from his nose, urging people to prioritise skin check-ups.
Clarke, who also had three non-melanoma lesions taken off his face in 2019, wrote at the time, “Skin cancer is real! Especially in Australia. 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 are key. So grateful that @drbishsoliman_ got it early.”
Reflecting on why he remains vulnerable to the disease, Clarke pointed to the years he spent under harsh sunlight as an international cricketer.
“Imagine fielding all day in India, out there for eight hours in the sun, a lot of the guys are wearing the baggy green cap so you are not protecting your ears or your face. You’ve got short-sleeved shirts, so your arms and the tops of your hands (are exposed).”
Clarke joins a list of prominent cricketers, including Richie Benaud, Sam Billings, Andy Flower and Lauren Cheatle, who have faced skin cancer, a condition particularly prevalent in Australia.
One of the most stylish batters of his era, Clarke was part of Australia’s dominant white-ball side that lifted every major ICC trophy between 2007 and 2010, before leading the team to World Cup glory on home soil in 2015. He retired shortly after, finishing with 115 Tests, 245 ODIs and 34 T20Is, and over 17,000 international runs.
For Indian fans, Clarke’s career is often remembered for his unbeaten 329 in the 2011-12 Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the SCG, one of the finest innings of his career.
Advertisement
