Lockdown life: Michael Clarke on how he’s coping as a single dad in isolation

He may have been thrust into the role of teacher to his daughter Kelsey Lee but former cricketer Michael Clarke admits it’s difficult. He reveals how he’s coping as a single dad in lockdown.

Former Test captain Michael Clarke is juggling early starts on his Big Sports Breakfast radio show with homeschooling daughter Kelsey Lee.

It’s a challenge which has given him a new respect for the work being done by our teachers.

The Sunday Telegraph has spoken to public figures about their life in lockdown. Read more from stage performer Zoe Gertz and media personality Sami Lukis here.

How are you coping through lockdown?

Just like everybody some days are better than others. I’m fortunate to still be able to work on our radio show.

When I have my daughter I work from home, and it’s important for coping that we make the most of the hour we are able to get out and get some fresh air and do some fitness.

What has been your biggest challenge?

Trying to entertain an active five-year-old can be difficult at times. She very sociable and loves her friends and cousins, so this has been very hard for her. I’ll be honest, homeschooling has been horrible, I’m not a fan at all and I know I’m not alone.

If anything has come out this, I think we all have a much greater respect for our teachers, and I’m sure all agree they should be paid a lot more money.

When we do get blue sky – I become a PE teacher and I’m pretty good at that; that’s probably our favourite subject, and I think it’s just as important to do that if the timing is right. I just try to do my best with the rest.

Michael Clarke and five-year-old daughter Kelsey Lee in lockdown.

What is your go-to exercise?

I’m lucky enough to have a gym set up in my garage – so I mix up my training with cardio and weights every day.

Kelsey Lee loves a scooter ride, so I’m either walking or chasing her and trying to keep up – she can fly! Seriously. That always makes us feel good after.

What are you bingeing?

The Olympics saved me! I watched a lot of different sports, some I didn’t expect to watch, so that’s been fantastic. Now they’re over – I’m on to the Paralympics.

Weekends include AFL and rugby league, a bit of cricket overseas. Being on a sports radio show it’s great to keep up with sports and I feel lucky I have a job that forces me to do more of what I love.

What are you reading?

The Shop to Kelsey Lee – that’s her book for today.

How do you distinguish between weekdays and weekends – any Zoom parties?

Definitely not doing any Zoom parties. Every day feels the same. The only way to distinguish is I’m still working Monday-Friday and get up at 4.30am – so for the weekends I get to sleep in at least until 6.30am.

Podcasts, songs or playlists that lift your mood?

Michael Clarke said his daughter Kelsey Lee has been his hairdresser.

I listen to music every day – it’s a massive part of my life. Every time I’m working out or even just around the house – there is always music on. Love anything from INXS to The Weeknd. All music is good.

Your favourite walk?

I love the Bondi to Bronte walk, however it’s too packed at the moment so I really love the Rose Bay walk along the water. Kelsey Lee gets out with me and it’s such a beautiful walk while staying close to home.

Have you started any new hobbies to fill in the time? Home hairdressing perhaps?

I haven’t so much, but Kelsey Lee has been my hairdresser. She’s been doing a great job. Because I can’t see the back of my head she gets that job and she does a better job clipping the back than I ever have on the sides.

What (or who) are you missing most?

My close friends and family. It’s the children I feel for the most because it’s so important for them to interact and hard for them to understand what’s going on.

What is the one thing you can’t live without?

No-brainer – Kelsey Lee – is the obvious answer, but it’s the only answer really. Everything else is inconsequential.

Are you eating your way through?

Last night I cooked a great penne bolognese. It was bloody good too. Another positive I guess, no rushing dinner now, so I can start it and let it slow cook as we have nowhere to go. Definitely cooking a lot more and yep, eating a lot more.

Favourite takeaway or indulgence?

Any kind of Italian food.

Favourite cocktail or drink through lockdown?

Tommy’s Margarita or vodka anything ….

Any advice to single parents who may be finding lockdown extra tough?

I think we all have to remember that we are all in the same boat. No matter who we are. We just need to take one day at a time, and pivot.

It’s easy to complain, but it doesn’t change anything, we have to just get on with it and do our best. ONE-DAY-AT-A-TIME, and just do your best.

What is your key to staying positive?

I think we just have to find the positives. Because there is always something. Focus on that rather than the stuff we can’t control.

Like more time with my daughter and I’m still working. The weather has been amazing so being grateful for that.

When we can travel again, where is the first place you’ll go, and who are you taking?

Anywhere on the water, with family, friends and of course Kelsey Lee.