Australian cricketer Michael Clarke has scooped a windfall after being added to the elite stable of athletes representing Gillette.

Clarke, vice captain of the Australia national team, joins the likes of Tiger Woods, Thierry Henry and Roger Federer on Gillette's books. He is the first Australian to be sponsored by the brand, which also has a major sponsorship deal with Major League Baseball.

"Being asked to stand up against the likes of Tiger, Roger and Thierry who are all champions on a global scale is a real honour," Clarke said. "These men are always raising the bar and bettering their best both on and off the field and as the local Gillette Champion, I hope I can do the same."

Clark underlined the determination in the Australian camp to retain the Ashes, the oldest international trophy in cricket, won back from England in 2007. "Representing Australia, you've always got a personal point to prove," he said. "Every time you walk on to the field you want to do your best, no matter who you play against and no matter what form of the game. The Ashes will be no different. If I do the hard work, that will give me the best opportunity to perform. Without doubt there are memories in the back of my mind, losing in 2005, and there are memories closer to the front of my mind, winning in 2007."

Clarke is also sponsored by Bonds and Slazenger, while his fiancee Lara Bingle models for Speedo. Cricket Australia is understood to have recently renegotiated Clarke's contract taking his cricket earnings to more than US$750,000 a year. His contract with Gillette is thought to exceed that by some US$100,000.