Clarke has always struggled for the wider public's affection, so it almost seems convenient that a test average of 50 is now posited as a benchmark, knowing that the right-hander is almost certain to slip under.
Rather than look historically, we're probably going to get a better gauge by looking at how Clarke compares to his contemporaries.
Since Clarke made his debut in October 2004 to today, he is third on the list of runscorers in that period.
That puts Clarke in awesome company. Kumar Sangakkara is also playing his final series and there is no question that he will end his career with the tag of greatness, yet in a similar timeframe to Clarke has scored just 500 more than the almost-great Clarke.
But then again, we know that while mighty aggregates point to a long spell of excellence, they don't tell the full story. They're a broad outline towards greatness, but to start colouring between the lines you need to factor in other statistical feats, like average.
From the same period, and counting only those who have played at least 20 tests during that time, here are the top 10.
There is a school of thought that average is the most over-rated metric for batsmen, given that it doesn't discriminate against pitch conditions, strength of attack and batting position.
You will find plenty of pundits who would give extra weighting to those who score their runs in the top 3, as opposed to those who take up residence in the middle order where, by and large, the ball is older and the bowlers more fatigued.
For many, the true currency of test batsmanship is century-making. Even Sir Don Bradman failed a fair chunk of the time he went to the crease, it is argued, but greatness is defined by those who cash in with three-figure scores when they are set.
Again, with the timeframe of Clarke's career as the parameters, let's see where he ranks.
So in terms of runs scored and centuries made, Clarke is undoubtedly a great of his time, while his average is extremely good but not epic.
One thing we do know for certain is that Clarke's form has tailed away badly since making his life-affirming century at Adelaide to honour the fallen Phil Hughes. In his 13 innings since, 47 has been his best effort as he has compiled a meagre 218 at 19.8.
The precipitous decline and Clarke's polarising personality are what judges are clinging to when they say he is not great.
It is Australia where he is judged harshest and it is in comparison to his compatriots that he shines brightest.
Clarke has scored more test runs than all but Ricky Ponting, Allan Border and Steve Waugh. Ponting and Waugh played an extra 53 tests and Border 41.
Only Ponting (41), Waugh (32), Matthew Hayden (30) and the incomparable Bradman (29) have scored more centuries than Clarke.
Of those who have played at least 20 tests, only Bradman, Steve Smith, Greg Chappell, Ponting, Jack Ryder, Mike Hussey, Waugh, Hayden and Border have surpassed his average.
Whichever way you slice it up, Clarke was great - like it or not.
