It’s time: Clarke declares his one-day career is over

ABC
Mar 28, 2015, updated Mar 28, 2015

Australia captain Michael Clarke has announced he will retire from one-day international cricket after tomorrow’s World Cup final against New Zealand at the MCG.

The 33 year-old has played 244 ODIs and told reporters on Saturday that the time is right for someone else to take charge of the team.

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Michael Clarke’s ODI career*

Debut: v England in Adelaide, Jan 19 2003
Games: 244
Runs: 7,907
Average: 44.42
SR: 78.81
HS: 130 v India in Bagalore, Sept 29 2007
Wickets: 57
Catches: 105

**One game remaining*

“I think it’s the right time for me and the Australian team,” he told reporters on Saturday.

“I don’t think it’s reasonable to expect I’ll be fit and available for the next World Cup, so I think it’s the right time.”

He said he hopes stepping back from the shorter form of the game will prolong his Test career.

Clarke has struggled mightily with back and hamstring injuries over the past 18 months and missed the first game of the tournament, handing the captaincy to long-time stand-in skipper George Bailey for the clash with England.

It remains to be seen whether Bailey or new Test skipper Steve Smith will take the reins in the long term.

Clarke is the fourth-most prolific Australian ODI batsman in history with 7,907 runs at an average of 44.42 since making his debut as a 21-year-old against England in 2003.

Only Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist and Mark Waugh have more runs in 50-over cricket, while his eight tons place him seventh on the list of Australian century-makers.

@CricketAus @MClarke23 Without you I can’t imagine @CAComms. Please change your mind.I think if u R not in d game, I’m not going to watch it

— M.JIBRAN (@jibranmd) March 28, 2015

@MClarke23 You’ve done your country proud, in the ODI format, Michael! Here’s to more stellar years as Test captain!

— Stephen @thous miles (@1000milesRTW) March 28, 2015

Will miss you @MClarke23 in ODI’s. You and the boys will bring it home tomorrow and send you off in fine style! #CWC15Final #GoodInningsPup

— Clara Little (@ClaraLittle) March 28, 2015