Lisa Sthalekar inducted into Australian Cricket Hall of Fame

Melbourne: Lisa Sthalekar, former Australia captain, was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame on Friday.

Sthalekar, one of the finest all-rounders in the women’s game, played eight Tests and 125 ODIs, and ended up with 416 and 2728 runs respectively across a 12-year national career.

She also went on to play 54 T20Is and accumulated 769 runs in that format. She also bowled off-spin and picked more than 200 scalps in internationals.

Sthalekar was the first player to achieve the 1000-run-100-wicket double in women’s ODI cricket and remains one of only five players to have scored 2000 runs and taken 100 wickets in the format.

She is also among the sport’s most decorated players, with two ODI World Cup victories and two T20 titles to her name. She announced her retirement after Australia won the 50-over World Cup held in India in 2012-13.

Since retiring from playing duties, Sthalekar has forged a career as a commentator both in Australia and around the world.

Lisa is the third player Australia has inducted into their Hall of Fame this summer, following Johnny Mullagh and Merv Hughes. Notably, she was also inducted into the ICC Hall of Fame in 2020.

“Lisa Sthalekar comfortably sits at the table of Women’s cricket trailblazers alongside Belinda Clark, Karen Rolton and Melanie Jones, and the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame is delighted to welcome her as the latest inductee," Peter King, Australian Cricket Hall of Fame Chairman, said.

“As the Australian Women’s Cricket Team conquers all before them, it has been Lisa’s passion and skill as a cricketer and her courage and determination in her post-cricket career, that has driven elite standards of professionalism in the Women’s game.

She left the sport as a four-time World Cup winner and a plethora of personal accolades, but has continued to advocate and champion the Women’s game as an administrator, commentator and ambassador,” he added. (UNI)