John Williams (NSW, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I, and also on behalf of Senator Moore, move:

That the Senate notes that:

(a) the 43rd Australian Test cricket captain, Mr Michael Clarke, has retired from International cricket;

(b) the position of Australian cricket captain is regarded by many Australians as second only in stature to the office of Prime Minister;

(c) Michael Clarke:

(i) captained Australia in 47 of his 115 test matches, 74 of his 245 one day internationals and 18 of his 34 T20 games,

(ii) is the 4th highest run scorer in Australian test history with 8 643 runs,

(iii) retires with a highest score of 329 not out compiled in 2012,

(iv) led Australia to a 5 nil victory over England in the 2013 14 Ashes series and captained and top-scored in Australia's One Day World Cup victory in March 2015,

(v) amongst many awards during his career, was named as a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 2010 and Wisden's Leading Cricketer in the World in 2012, and

(vi) displayed outstanding leadership of Australian cricket and in leading the nation's mourning at the tragic passing of fellow Australian player Mr Phillip Hughes in November 2014; and

(d) the Australian Government is providing over $1.4 million to Cricket Australia in 2015-16, principally to encourage increased participation, including the new Sporting Schools initiative.

Question agreed to.