Michael has posted the first adorable picture of his new-born daughter Kelsey Lee, showing her tiny fingers wrapped around his own and touching the hand of wife Kyly.
“Heaven! Kelsey Lee you are my angel,” he writes in the caption.
Kyly has yet to post a picture herself, but Michael thanked all the well-wishers who have sent messages of support since the early arrival of their first baby.
Today Show host Karl Stevanovic, a close friend of the Clarkes, first announced the happy news at the end of a live cross to Sydney from Paris where he’s reporting on the terrorism attacks.
“It is breaking news of the very best kind,” beamed Karl. “I can report to you all back in Australia from a very good source that former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke and his beautiful wife Kyly have just had a baby girl.
“She is five weeks premature but she is in good health and mum is also in good health.”
Michael, 34, already has plans to extend the brood, revealing he would like as many as 10 children if Kyly is up for it!
“Kyly has been a trooper and has been amazing throughout the pregnancy, but I have to say that as I want to fill my own side – I want 10 kids,” he said recently.
Although the early arrival was no doubt dramatic, at least now Michael gets plenty of time to get to know his new daughter.
Their baby was scheduled to arrive in late December, the same time Michael is committed to sailing in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race to raise money for the Humpty Dumpty Foundation.
When asked if they were concerned that Michael may miss the birth, Kyly replied: “Yes, we are!”
“We’re hoping Santa Claus delivers our baby before I get on the boat on the 26th,” responded Michael.
Meanwhile, the super-fit Kyly, 34, says she’s in no rush to get her pre-baby body back.
“I think the most important thing is that I’m happy, bub is happy and we’re both getting all the right nutrients we need, but I’m sure it won’t be far away – I love my fitness,” said the model and presenter.
For a fascinating insight into the role that sport will no doubt play in the Clarke family check out our insightful Q and A with Michael here.