Ecstatic Australia captain Clarke to be a dad

Ecstatic Australia captain Michael Clarke revealed today he and wife Kyly are expecting their first child, in an announcement made on the day the Ashes series starts in England.

The couple, who have been married for three years, took to Twitter to say they are "extremely ecstatic to announce we are expecting our first child. Can't wait to meet baby Clarke".

The first Test against England begins later Wednesday in Cardiff with Australia looking to win their first away Ashes series in 14 years.

Clarke, 34, has been part of the three previous Ashes tour defeats and is desperate to fill in one of the few gaps in his illustrious CV ahead of his pending fatherhood.