Clarke, a man of class

He's 28. Rich. Engaged to one of Australia's most famous fashion models, and among the world's most technically correct batsmen.

Clarke, a man of class

He has been an automatic choice as specialist batsman in a world-beating side since his Test debut five years ago.

But it would be fair to say that 'Pup' Clarke has not done full justice to his awesome gifts as batsman, despite the occasional glimpses shown of potential greatness.

That said, his sensational match-winning performances as bowler against India at the Wankhede Stadium in 2004 and, again, at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2007, have stamped him as a "cometh the moment, cometh the man" warrior with nerves of steel.

Michael Clarke and Lara Bingle. pic/getty images

In what could be a belated watershed, Michael Clarke has been a dominant force in turning the ongoing Ashes series in England on its head after his team's leading batsmen flopped miserably in the first two Tests and enabled the home side to snatch a crucial 1-0 lead at Lord's.

However Clarke, who was identified at a very young age as skipper Ricky Ponting's heir-apparent of the world champion Test team, has more than lived up to the lofty expectations of the Australian cricketing establishment as a balanced individual and committed, inspirational team man, with vision that is unusual for a man his age.

But, despite all his contributions to the team, Clarke has not let success go to his closely shorn head, unlike his captain, whose notorious, unruly behaviour during his youth, until his rehabilitation and subsequent elevation as captain, led to his persona being enduringly imbued with attributes of street fighter.

As a member of a fiercely proud team, passionate in its desire to stamp its dominance on all-comers, 'Pup' has had his fair share of brushes with opponents, notably Indians.

To be fair, Clarke's image in some desi circles of sly mischief-maker has been more the result of a typical Australian 'mongrel' streak of competitiveness and pathological hatred of defeat, than a sign of rowdiness.

The epitome of rectitude in a team that has had its fair share of larrikins, Clarke has long believed that being a professional sportsman involves a lot more than just giving of his best for team and country.

It's no secret that, in the interest of discipline, the Australian vice-captain played a major role in disciplining Andrew Symonds on the many occasions his surly drinking mate stepped out of line.

Clarke, the leading run scorer in the current Ashes series, says he is "embarrassed" by the spotlight on him and his fiancu00e9e, but accepts it as part of life as a leading sportsman.

However, he is quick to point out, as he did to an Australian newspaper as he prepared for tomorrow's Test, that there is a responsibility being a role model "whether you like it or not".

"Who cares?" he asked significantly. "There are a million things going on in the world, much bigger things than me and Lara picking up the poo from my balcony".

"We're at a stage now where we laugh at that sort of stuff."

Michael Clarke added: "The public wants to know about your personal life... and there is a responsibility as a professional athlete, not just a cricketer, that you are a role model.

"Professional sportsmen would have to be "blind and silly" not to understand that," he said.

Food for thought, that, for some of our own giddy-headed superstars.