Former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke and his ex wife Kyly shocked fans when they announced they were separating after seven years of marriage, amid claims they’d been living separately for months.
WATCH: Michael Clarke shares touching video of daughter after divorce announcement
In early 2020, the couple issued a joint statement, explaining they’d made the “difficult decision” but were separating “amicably”.
They added, “With the greatest of respect for each other, we’ve come to the mutual conclusion that this is the best course for us to take while committed to the co-parenting of our daughter.”
After confirming their separation, Michael moved out of the family’s Vaucluse home, before Kyly and their five-year-old daughter Kelsey Lee later moved out and reportedly rented a $2 million property in Sydney’s Bondi.
A close friend of the couple believe their marriage came under strain after Michael became increasingly focused on having a bigger family at a time when Kyly was attempting to build her career.
“Michael has always said he wanted a big family. He wants three kids at least. He is super close to his own sister but Kyly was not as keen,” the friend said. “He adores his daughter and would love nothing more than some more.”
What’s more, in January 2018, Michael admitted he wanted lots of children.
“I’d like to have 10 more, I’d like a full cricket team,” he told the Daily Telegraph. “But I don’t think Kyly feels the same.”
The year before, however, Kyly said she hoped for a sibling for their daughter, but hinted Michael’s hectic work schedule was a stumbling block to their plans.
“He needs to be in the country first,” she said, adding, “But we both have siblings and we want Kelsey Lee to have one, I think it’s all in the timing.”
Following their candid confession, the couple seemingly struggled to make their relationship work, especially as Kyly’s career in interior design and presenting took off.
“Michael doesn’t really have a lot of close friends. He doesn’t catch up with any of the cricket guys any more. It’s just work and home life for him. Kyly is very social. She always had her heart set on being someone and is very focused on her blog and YouTube channel.”
In 2019, it was reported that Kyly was struggling to balance family life and the demands of work, which included her “dream job” as a judge on Channel Seven’s House Rules.
Meanwhile, Michael’s own TV career has floundered with his cricket commentary work largely drying up since 2018.
Now the close friend believes that watching his former partner Lara transform her life over the past few years has been the final straw.
“To make matters worse Lara is about to have her third child. She is living the life he always wanted to,” the pal said at the time.
“Lots of their old mates think he still has a place in his heart for Lara. You never forget your first love and it’s even harder when they are in the public eye showing off their kids and happy life. He is jealous of Sam and what they have.”
No doubt adding strain to Kyly and Michael’s relationship, in November 2018, the former cricketer was photographed sunbathing alongside his assistant Sasha Armstrong on a friend’s super yacht.
They denied anything romantic was going on and since then Sasha has announced her engagement.
Two months later, Kyly told MailOnline reports of her marriage being in trouble were incorrect, saying, “We’re not, never were and never will be splitting.”
While Kyly and Michael’s followers on social media sent messages of support, the couple paid tribute to their daughter Kelsey Lee, who they continue to co-parent, by posting sweet photos of themselves alongside her.
For your own fairytale love story, sign up to eharmony.
