Michael Clarke

A batter of great talent and ambition to match, Michael Clarke emerged during Australia's golden age of the 2000s, weathered the turbulent years that followed, and eventually led his side back to the top of world cricket.

At his peak Clarke was ranked the best Test batter in the world, and his cover-drives and late cuts were among the most stylish of his era. Beneath the polish was a steel that defined both his batting and his leadership as an intuitive, aggressive captain.

Clarke made an unforgettable Test debut in Bangalore in 2004, scoring a century on a turning pitch, and followed it with another on home debut in Brisbane, but consistency eluded him early on. By the end of the decade, though, he had matured into one of Australia's most complete batters, his technique as refined as his temperament was tough. Persistent back and hamstring problems plagued him but his appetite for runs was never dulled.

His peak as a batter came the year after he took over as captain from Ricky Ponting: he amassed 1595 Test runs in 2012 at an astonishing average of 106.33, including three double-centuries and a triple - 329 not out against India at the SCG - which placed him alongside Don Bradman and Wally Hammond in the record books. His 161 in Cape Town in 2014, made despite the pain of a fractured shoulder, epitomised his courage.

Clarke's captaincy was not without controversy. The "Homeworkgate" affair on the 2013 India tour, when four players were suspended for indiscipline, exposed tensions within the side. But under Clarke's leadership Australia beat England 5-0 in the 2013-14 Ashes and regained the No.1 Test ranking soon after. Later in 2014, Clarke guided a grieving team through one of its darkest moments - the death of his close friend, team-mate Phillip Hughes. His emotional hundred against India in Adelaide, scored amid tears and tributes, remains one of the most poignant innings in Australian cricket.

Clarke lifted the 2015 World Cup at the MCG, scoring a fluent 74 in the final before announcing his retirement from ODIs. His Test farewell came months later, after a 2-3 Ashes defeat in England, closing a career of 8643 Test runs at an average a whisker under 50 and 28 centuries, and leaving an enduring imprint on Australian cricket.

Although Clarke's ability and dedication could never be questioned, he struggled at times to win over sections of the public, due in part to his A-list celebrity status, sizeable endorsements, and high-profile private life. There were occasions when he was booed in his own country, and at times he was accused of being too aloof around the team environment. Still, he will be remembered as a batter of class and a captain who took the game on, and emerged with an enviable record in both spheres.