Former Australia captain Michael Clarke undergoes skin cancer surgery

Ex-Australia captain Michael Clarke reveals another skin cancer surgery. The World Cup winner urges vigilance, sun protection, and regular skin checks.

Former Australia captain Michael Clarke has revealed he has once again undergone surgery to remove skin cancer, this time from his nose. The 44-year-old, who has faced multiple battles with the disease since first being diagnosed in 2006, took to Instagram on Wednesday (August 27) to share a candid update, stressing the importance of prevention and early detection.

 

Posting a photograph after the procedure, 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. So grateful that @drbishsoliman_ got it early .”

   

A long-running battle

 

This latest surgery adds to Clarke’s long struggle with the illness. First diagnosed in 2006, the former skipper has since had around a dozen cancer spots removed. In 2019, he was diagnosed with three non-melanoma lesions. In recent years, he has undergone surgeries for basal cell carcinoma on his chest, as well as further removals on his forehead and face. 

 

Clarke has consistently used his public platform to raise awareness. Speaking earlier, he said: “Another day, another skin cancer cut out of my face... youngsters out there, make sure you are doing all the right things to protect yourself from the sun.”

 

Why it matters

 

Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer globally, with medical data showing that two in three Australians will be diagnosed with some form of the disease by the age of 70. Clarke has become one of the most visible figures in sport to highlight the risks of excessive sun exposure and the importance of skin checks.

 

Reflecting on his personal motivation, Clarke once told the Daily Mail: “I am a dad ... I don’t want to go anywhere. The most important thing in the world is making sure I help my daughter Kelsey Lee and set a good example for her. To me, making sure I put on sunscreen so she sees it is just as important as getting her to do it.”

 

Clarke’s cricketing legacy

 

Nicknamed ‘Pup’, Clarke retired from international cricket in 2015 after leading Australia to World Cup glory that same year. His career spanned 12 years, beginning in 2003. In 115 Tests, he scored 8,643 runs with 28 centuries, while in 245 ODIs he amassed 7,981 runs. He also represented Australia in 34 T20Is. 

Michael Clarke batting in international career
Format	Matches	Innings	Runs	Balls faced	Highest score	Average	Strike Rate	Not out	Fours	Sixes	Fifties	Hundreds	Double hundreds
Test	115	198	8643	15456	329	48.83	55.93	21	977	39	27	28	4
ODI	245	223	7981	10104	130	44.59	78.99	44	665	53	58	8	0
T20	34	28	488	473	67	21.22	103.18	5	28	10	1	0	0
IPL	6	6	98	94	41	16.33	104.26	0	12	0	0	0	0

 

Michael Clarke bowling stats in international career
	M	Inn	B	Runs	Wkts	Avg	Econ	SR	BBI	BBM	5w	10w
Test	115	65	2435	1184	31	38.19	2.92	78.55	06/09/25	06/09	2	0
ODI	245	106	2585	2146	57	37.65	4.98	45.35	5/35	5/35	1	0
T20	34	15	156	225	6	37.5	8.65	26	01/02/25	01/02	0	0
IPL	6	5	66	67	2	33.5	6.09	33	01/12/25	01/12	0	0