Cricket legend Michael Clarke shares his life as a single dad

Former Aussie cricket captain Michael Clarke has opened up on his challenges, triumphs and hopes for the future as a single parent.

Michael Clarke: Order of Australia ‘a real honour’ talks about his life as a single dad. Picture: Tim Pascoe

He’s a former Australian cricket captain having smashed batting records, but Michael Clarke is not resting on his laurels.

Putting past success aside, the single dad is definitely no slouch, getting up at 4am to co-host radio show Big Sports Breakfast until 9am, before attending to his daughter, Kelsey Lee, five, who he shares with ex-wife Kyly Clarke.

“Lockdown has been difficult but we did our best,” he said.

“My daughter is really active, so after school we might take a scooter ride or go fishing or go through a car wash, which I call a ‘mini school excursion’.

Michael Clarke at his home in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. Picture: Tim Pascoe

“She’s a great kid and I love when it’s my turn to have her with me. She is nearly six and has her own personality and there’s no chance I can tell her what to wear. I’m pretty chill like that, I just want her to have her own opinion and let her confidence build.

“There’s no rules, you just try to do your best for your kid.”

Having booked, and cancelled, several trips to take his daughter to Noosa, Michael says he is looking forward to state borders opening.

“After cancelling three holidays, we’re craving a little vacation. It would be a great time to show my little girl parts of Australia.”

In the meantime, Michael has created a stable and fun home life for Kelsey Lee, in a property with lots of open space and more importantly, a long hallway.

“It’s where our running races happen.”

‘There’s no rules. You just try to do your best for your kid.’ Picture: Tim Pascoe

AT HOME WITH CRICKET LEGEND MICHAEL CLARKE

Who: Michael Clarke.

Where: Eastern suburbs of Sydney with daughter Kelsey Lee, five.

Favourite thing: This is a photo of Kelsey Lee and I. It was such a beautiful present given to me given to me for my 40th birthday.

Inspiration: Modern but comfortable.

Home is: For me, I never wanted a house, I wanted a home. I love sharing my home with Kelsey Lee and I tell her she is going to live with me until she is 40. Well, at least that’s what I say now.

MICHAEL CLARKE’S FAVOURITE THINGS

Louis Vuitton trunk

$160k worth of trunk. Picture: Tim Pascoe

I designed a Louis Vuitton trunk that would be ideal for a cricketer and it was auctioned off for charity getting $160,000. They made a second one, which they very kindly gave to me.

Baggy Green caps

Plenty of Aussie kids, and adults, would live these in their living room. Picture: Tim Pascoe

I did 70 Test matches in one cap and then swapped over to a new one because of the wear and tear. They tried to mend it a couple of times but then gave up. It’s the only piece of cricket memorabilia I have up in my house.

Suede chairs

‘So comfy’. Picture: Tim Pascoe

I have had these chairs for years and they are just so comfy. I have always loved them, they’re like two big couches. And the fabric and colour is beautiful.

Hublot watch

One of many. Picture: Tim Pascoe

I have had this one for a number of years and I wear it everywhere. I have a number of Hublot watches. I won’t say how many, but there’s no such thing as too many.

Liquor trolley

Bottoms up. Picture: Tim Pascoe

I am all for being fit and healthy, but also for drinking in moderation. I am a single dad homeschooling my daughter – the man needs a drink. I am not a big beer drinker but I do like my vodka. If there is reason to celebrate, I also don’t mind popping open a bottle of Champagne.

Eating right

Disciplined eating. Picture: Tim Pascoe

I never cared too much about diets when I was training, but in lockdown I have had to really look at what I eat. I am looking at ways to become more disciplined with food and I’ve been eating lots of Fast Fuel ready meals. It’s been a game changer for me.

Home studio

Post-cricket career. Picture: Tim Pascoe

Working from home has been interesting. I’m on screen the whole time answering text messages and getting feedback from callers. I have these great headphones so I can’t hear Kelsey Lee yelling at me.

Sports shoes

Quite the collection. Picture: Tim Pascoe

I am addicted to trainers and I guess it’s the main thing I wear – sports clothes and trainers. From doing radio to going to the gym, this is what you’ll find me in. Most of my trainers are Nike.