"..I Get Frozen": Michael Clarke Opens Up About His Long Battle With Skin Cancer

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

Clarke, who was first diagnosed with skin cancer in 2006, spoke about his condition on The Kyle and Jackie O Show, saying that he has had “a number cut out” from his face.

Michael Clarke Opens Up About His Skin Cancer Battle

“I had one about four weeks ago taken off my nose, and I see my dermatologist every six months. The sunspots, I get frozen. Normally, if they’re basal cells, I get them cut out. I think I’ve had seven cut out of my face,” Clarke said.

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Michael Clarke: Skin Cancer Awareness

In August, the World Cup-winning captain shared a photo on Instagram to raise awareness about skin cancer. This came after the removal of a lesion from his nose during his ongoing fight with the disease. Clarke, who was first diagnosed with skin cancer in 2006, also had three non-melanoma lesions removed from his face in 2019.

He wrote, “Skin cancer is real! Especially in Australia. Another one cut out of my nose today. A friendly reminder to get your skin checked. Prevention is better than cure, but in my case, regular check-ups and early detection are key. So grateful that @drbishsoliman_ got it early.”

Speaking further on the show, Clarke said that his high risk of skin cancer comes from spending long hours in the sun during his cricket career.

“Imagine fielding all day in India, standing for eight hours in the sun. Many players wear the baggy green cap, which doesn’t protect the ears or face. With short-sleeved shirts, the arms and hands are also exposed,” he explained.

Who Is Michael Clarke?

Michael Clarke is one of Australia’s most respected cricketers and among several players, including Richie Benaud, Sam Billings, Andy Flower, and Lauren Cheatle, who have battled skin cancer.

Known for his elegant batting style, Clarke was a key part of Australia’s dominant team between 2007 and 2010, winning major trophies, including a World Cup and multiple Champions Trophies. He later led Australia to another World Cup victory in 2015 before retiring from international cricket.

Clarke played 115 Tests, 245 ODIs, and 34 T20Is, scoring over 17,000 international runs across all formats. He was especially tough against India, scoring a memorable 329 not out during the 2011–12 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series at his home ground in Sydney.