Victorian and Australian cricket great Belinda Clark AO has become the first female cricketer elevated to Legend status in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. Clark was a record-breaking opener who became the first cricketer to score a double century in ODI cricket with her unbeaten 229 at the 1997 World Cup. Across 15 Tests […]
Victorian and Australian cricket great Belinda Clark AO has become the first female cricketer elevated to Legend status in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.
Clark was a record-breaking opener who became the first cricketer to score a double century in ODI cricket with her unbeaten 229 at the 1997 World Cup. Across 15 Tests and 118 ODIs, she amassed more than 5,700 runs, but her legacy was defined by inspirational leadership-captaining Australia 101 times, winning two World Cups, and helping transform women's cricket into a professional pathway.
Sport Australia Hall of Fame Members must be retired for 15 years before being considered for Legend status, with the elevation voted by the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Board based on recommendations by the organisation's Selection Committee.
Belinda Clark AO said:
"It's an unbelievable honour to be elevated to Legend status in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. I am experiencing a combination of surprise, gratitude and pride.
"I played a team sport, and the reality is none of us achieve anything without the support and commitment of the whole team. I hope my teammates along with the coaches, support staff and administration feel like they are a part of this recognition.
"Professionally, I am proud of where the sport is going. It is setting the pace in the ambition to be equitable and whilst there is still a way to go, I am bullish about the future."
Sport Australia Hall of Fame Selection Committee Chair, Bruce McAvaney OAM said:
"Belinda becomes the first female amongst only a handful of cricketers to be recognised as a Legend, having already been the first woman inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.
"She's a trailblazer, an extraordinary batter, who changed the mode of play by attacking the bowling. Player, captain and ultimately the top-level administrator, her leadership and influence are unrivalled."
Cricket Victoria proudly congratulates Belinda Clark on this historic honour and thanks her for inspiring generations of cricketers.
