Michael Clarke had an outstanding career for Australia. Known as 'Pup' because of his boyish looks, diamond ear piercing, and bleach blonde hair, it didn't take long for the boy from Liverpool, New South Wales, to make his mark.

In a cricketing career spanning 12 years from 2003 to 2015, Clarke went on to play 115 tests scoring 8643 runs (fourth all-time amongst Australian batsmen) with an average of 49.10, including 28 centuries and 27 half-centuries.

In 244 One Day Internationals, he scored 7981 runs at a brilliant average of 44.58. Although he had numerous scrutiny on him during stages of his career, Clarke rose above it all to become one of Australia's classiest batsmen.

From an incredible 2012 to leading Australia to Ashes glory, Clarke's achievements speak for themselves.

Here are five memorable moments during his career.

2. 329 not out against India at the SCG, 2012

Coming off a disappointing Boxing Day Test, Clarke was looking for redemption. One which no one saw coming. Striding to the crease with Australia in a spot of bother at 3/38 in response to India's 191, he began the ascent for everyone to witness.

Clarke got going with a lovely backfoot shot through the covers from Ishant Sharma for a boundary. With every passing run Clarke's confidence grew. With an array of strokes from blazing cover drives, square drives, delicate shots off the pads, pull shots and lofts down the ground it became the Michael Clarke show.

Even with India ploying different fielding tactics to negate the irresistible Clarke, it had no effect. As long-time cricket broadcaster Mark Nicholas perfectly described when the Australian reached his double-century, "the Sydney Cricket Ground becomes Michael Clarke's kingdom for the day."

Clarke ultimately went on to score 329 not out from 468 deliveries with his innings consisting of 39 fours and one six. He would share incredible partnerships with Ricky Ponting, with the pair putting on 288 for the fourth wicket, and Michael Hussey - 334 unbeaten.

Clarke became the fifth Australian at the time to score a triple-century joining the legendary Sir Donald Bradman, Bob Cowper, Bob Simpson, Mark Taylor and Matthew Hayden. More recently David Warner joined the exclusive 300 club with his 335 not out against Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval in 2019.

On that glorious day, Clarke registered the highest-ever test score at the SCG surpassing Reggie Foster (287), Brian Lara (277), Walter Hammond (251), Doug Walters (241), and Sachin Tendulkar (241 not out). His record at the venue still stands to this day.

Clarke's chanceless innings would propel him to greater heights in 2012, surpassing Ricky Ponting for the most number of runs in a calendar year by an Australian Captain (1595) with a whopping average of 106.33.

An incredible year and one which will go down in the test history books.