Former Australia captain Belinda Clark has been elevated to legend status in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. She is only the sixth cricketer to receive the honour, joining Donald Bradman, Keith Miller, Richie Benaud, Dennis Lillee, and Shane Warne. The Hall of Fame described the recognition as a mark of “excellence, longevity, resilience and lifelong contribution to their sports.”
A Trailblazing Career in Cricket
Clark is regarded as one of cricket’s greatest batters. She averaged 47.49 in ODIs and 45.95 in Tests during her career from 1991 to 2005. Appointed captain at just 23, she led Australia for 11 years. Under her leadership, Australia won 83 of 101 ODIs and claimed two World Cup titles. She also captained in 11 of her 15 Test matches.
Clark created history at the 1997 World Cup when she became the first player, male or female, to score a double-century in ODIs, with an unbeaten 229 against Denmark.
Contributions Beyond the Pitch
Since her retirement, Clark has played a pivotal role in developing women’s cricket. She worked as a Cricket Australia administrator and served on the ICC Women’s Committee. Her leadership continues to shape the game.
Reflecting on her honour, Clark 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 team-mates 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.”
Recognition and Lasting Impact
Sport Australia Hall of Fame selection committee chair Bruce McAvaney praised Clark, saying:
“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.”
In 2023, Clark was honoured with a statue at the Sydney Cricket Ground, cementing her place among sporting greats. Medals named in her honour by Cricket Australia and Cricket New South Wales reflect her enduring influence.
Belinda Clark’s elevation to Sport Australia Hall of Fame legend status confirms her as one of the most important figures in cricket history.
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