Clark, 43, accepted the honor Thursday, nearly a decade after he closed the chapter on his illustrious playing career. He is the 64th inductee, with two more members to be named this season.
Making his first-class debut for New South Wales at the age of 17, Clarke led Australia to the 2015 ODI World Cup and captained the team in 47 of his 115 Test appearances.
He followed up his SCG performance with a double century in the fourth Test against India, before scoring two more double centuries against South Africa the following season.
Clarke replaced Ricky Ponting as captain after England won the Ashes 3-1 in Australia in 2011. At his peak, he was among the best batsmen in the world. He was also in charge of the Ashes whitewash in 2013–14 and retired at the end of the losing campaign in England in 2015.
“To be able to sit with so many great players, idols, role models growing up and looking up to me is an honor,” Clark said. “Retirement does a lot for you. Now in the stages of watching cricket, you miss certain parts.
“When you play at the highest level people talk about your international career but for me it started at the age of six. I retired at 34 so that was my life. This is now. It is also a part of my life.
“Cricket – it’s probably similar to life in general. You walk out and make 100 and then pick up the bat, and then you go out, field at slip and take a catch on the second ball of the game. Let’s leave.”
Australian Cricket Hall of Fame chairman Peter King hailed Clarke as a player who “defined his generation”.
“Michael’s extraordinary first-class playing career began at the SCG at the age of just 17 – the site of many of his highlights, including a Test triple century against India in 2012,” King said.
“Michael’s career will always be fondly remembered by the Australian public and stands with him at the top of our game.”
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