New Delhi, Nov 4 (NationPress) Former Australian cricketer Michael Clarke has bravely shared details about his ongoing struggle with skin cancer, disclosing that he has undergone multiple procedures to remove melanomas and other types of cancer from his face and body throughout the years.

Clarke, who received his initial diagnosis of skin cancer in 2006, spoke candidly about his health on The Kyle and Jackie O Show, revealing that he has had “a number cut out” from his face.

"I had one about four weeks ago off my nose, and I visit my dermatologist every six months. The sunspots, I get frozen. Typically, if they’re basal cells, I have them excised... I believe I’ve had seven cut out from my face," he shared.

Earlier this August, the World Cup-winning captain posted a photo on Instagram to raise awareness about skin cancer, following the removal of a lesion from his nose during his battle with the illness. Clarke, who was first diagnosed with skin cancer in 2006, also had three non-melanoma lesions excised from his face in 2019.

"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 crucial. I’m so thankful that @drbishsoliman_ identified it early," Clarke captioned his post-surgery image.

During his discussion on the show, he credited his increased risk of skin cancer to the extensive time spent under the sun as a cricketer.

“Imagine fielding all day in India, out there for eight hours in the sun. Many of the players wear the baggy green cap, which doesn’t protect your ears or face. You’ve got short-sleeved shirts, leaving your arms and the tops of your hands exposed,” he explained.

Clarke joins a list of notable cricketers, including Richie Benaud, Sam Billings, Andy Flower, and Lauren Cheatle, who have also faced skin cancer. Known as one of the most elegant batsmen of his time, Clarke played a pivotal role in Australia’s exceptional white-ball team, securing every major trophy between 2007 and 2010, which includes a World Cup and multiple Champions Trophies. He then led Australia to a World Cup win in 2015 before retiring from cricket.

Clarke played 115 Tests, 245 ODIs, and 34 T20Is for Australia, amassing over 17,000 international runs across all formats. When in form, he could effortlessly dominate opposing bowlers. For Indian fans, Clarke was particularly formidable during the 2011-12 Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, where he achieved a career-high score of 329* at his home ground in Sydney.