His tender years and baby face earned him the nickname ‘Pup’ when he made the Australian cricket team in 2004, but Michael Clarke quickly became one of the nation’s best players.
After becoming the first person to score four test double centuries in a calendar year, Michael Clarke retired from the nation’s much-loved game in August.
Two months later, Clarke and wife, Kyly, welcomed their first child, baby Kelsey Lee into the world.
The new father will race in the Sydney to Hobart this boxing day as he embraces life after cricket.
To celebrate his new chapter, we have put together this collection of pictures charting his transformation from bleached-blonde kid to big-hitting international superstar, and finally, a father.
Michael Clarke in 2004
Michael Clarke in 2004.
Michael looking very young in February 2004.
Michael on debut in 2004.
Michael in 2004.
Baby-faced Michael in 2004.
Michael in 2004.
Shane Warne gives Michael a piggyback in 2004.
Michael in 2004.
Michael with his Allan Border medal in 2005.
Michael in 2007.
Michael with his former fiance Lara Bingle in 2007.
Michael with Lara Bingle in 2008. They ended their engagement in 2010.
Michael celebrating his triple-century in January 2012.
Michael with his now-wife Kyly Boldy in February 2012.
Michael and Kyly married in May in the Blue Mountains.
Kyly’s dress was made by Alex Perry and Clarke wore Louis Vuitton.
The couple kept their nuptials a secret until after they were married.
Michael Clarke celebrates his record-breaking fourth double century.
Clarke and wife, Kyly, embrace after the former Australian cricket captain played his final test.
The couple welcomed their first child, Kelsey Lee, in November.
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