Mark Cleary (cricketer)

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Mark Francis Cleary (born 19 July 1980 in Moorabbin, Victoria) is an Australian first-class cricketer who plays for the Southern Redbacks. He is an allrounder who is a left handed lower order batsman and right-arm fast-medium bowler. Cleary has played cricket in England for Leicestershire and Yorkshire. Since 2006 Cleary spends his winters as a professional player - coach for Excelsior'20 CC in Schiedam, The Netherlands. In the South Australia District Competition, Mark plays for Kensington Cricket Club since been introduced to the Club through former State Player Jamie Siddons.

Cleary had an immediate impact on the Australia cricket scene, he was selected to play for Australia A in just his second first-class season. He picked up 30 Pura Cup wickets in 2003-04. He suffered a back injury in 2004-05 and nominated himself for the state transfer pool without success. In the limited overs format he had a good season in 2005-06 when his side made the final, taking an equal competition best tally of 16 wickets. In the same season he scored his maiden first-class century with an innings of 109 from 104 balls against Tasmania.

He was part of Leicestershire's Twenty20 winning team.