What does Michael Clarke want most for Christmas?
The former Australian captain has a busy summer ahead with cricket commitments but he still finds time to spend with his family, and even run the odd clinic or two.
Between commentating duties and hosting training camps for children this summer, all former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke wants for Christmas is time with his family.
There’s nothing more important to Michael than family, which is why the opportunity to spend Christmas with those closest to him is so special.
During his playing career Michael would always spend Christmas away from his Sydney home in preparation for the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. Now a commentator for Channel 9, Melbourne still beckons him on Christmas Day, but he’s able to travel later in the day so he, with his wife Kyly and two-year-old daughter Kelsey Lee, can celebrate with both their families on Christmas morning.
“It’s a really important time for us to bring both families together,” Michael says. “When I was playing for Australia I had to be in Melbourne a couple of days before the Test, so I didn’t get Christmas Day at home. Even though I only get the morning (in Sydney), I can catch up with my sister and her two kids, and Kyly has a sister and a brother as well.”
The arrival of Kelsey Lee has also dramatically changed the festive vibe for Michael.
“Christmas Day for me used to be all about preparation and training for the Test match. All I care about now is seeing the smile on my daughter’s face,” he says. “She’s still very young, so doesn’t understand it completely, but she loves wrapping paper! She doesn’t care about the present inside. She just loves making an absolute mess.”
In January he’ll turn his focus to another of his passions: his one-day cricket coaching clinics to help engage young people in activity.
“The fact kids are not playing sport on a daily basis is something I’d like to be able to change. It’s about trying to get as many boys and girls as active as possible. I don’t care what sport they play, just be active. The more we can get kids active the better for all of us in Australia.”
The clinic will be held on January 24 in Sydney, with plans to expand nationally next year.
Head here for more information: chemistwarehouse.com.au/mcclinic
