Australian cricket legend Michael Clarke opens up on skin cancer battle after latest surgery

Former Australian cricketer Michael Clarke has shared his ongoing battle with skin cancer, revealing he’s had multiple melanomas and other cancers removed from his face and body over the years.

Clarke, who first received a skin cancer diagnosis in 2006, shared details on The Kyle and Jackie O Show, saying he’s had “a number cut out of my face”.

“I had one about four weeks ago off my nose, and I see my dermatologist every six months,” he said.

The 44-year-old talked about the treatments following diagnosis, explaining, “The sunspots, I get frozen. Normally, if they’re basal cell I get them cut out... I think I’ve had seven cut out of my face.”

In August, Clarke posted a photo on Instagram showing a plaster on his nose after another procedure, urging fans, “Get your skin checked guys.”

He tagged Dr Bish Soliman, calling him the “best in the business”.

Clarke’s cancer scares have fuelled his fear about being present for his young daughter, Kelsey Lee.

“It does scare me. I am a dad — I don’t want to go anywhere. The most important thing in the world is making sure I help my seven-year-old daughter and I guess set a good example for her,” Clarke told the Daily Telegraph in 2023.

He attributes his extensive time in the sun as a cricketer for his skin cancer risk.

“Imagine fielding all day in India, out there for eight hours in the sun, a lot of the guys are wearing the baggy green cap so you are not protecting your ears or your face,” he said.

“You’ve got short-sleeved shirts so your arms and the tops of your hands (are exposed).”

The former Test captain has built a busy media career since retiring from playing, commentating on games, hosting a radio show, and building an audience for his new podcast.

Clarke has hosted Sky Racing’s Big Sports Breakfast for five years alongside newly appointed NSW State of Origin coach Laurie Daley and Gerard Middleton, but in January revealed he would not be joining them for its return in 2025.

He said the move would allow him focus on other things, including “a passion I started last year and have continued through the summer break in my (Beyond23 Cricket) podcast.” .

“I want to commit 100 per cent and give it everything I have,” he said.

“I also found it quite difficult last year trying to be in two places at once with my overseas work and radio, and it looks like I will be spending more time away for business moving forward.”

The Big Sports Breakfast returns on Thursday and Clarke is expected to make a final appearance to farewell listeners.

Clarke became the sixth inductee into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in January, nearly a decade after he closed the chapter on his remarkable playing career.

Making his first-class debut for NSW at 17, Clarke captained Australia to victory in the 2015 ICC World Cup and led the side across 47 of his 115 career Tests.