Lisa Sthalekar inducted into Australian Cricket Hall of Fame

Lisa Sthalekar, former Australia captain, was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame on Friday (February 5). 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. She also went on to play 54 T20Is and accumulated 769 runs in that format. Sthalekar also bowled off-spin and picked more than 200 scalps in internationals.

The all-rounder, who made her international debut in 2001, was a member of Australia's World Cup-winning sides across both limited-overs formats. In the 2012-13 50-over World Cup held in India, she played a key role in helping Australia to hoist the trophy, picking up nine wickets at an average of just over 20. Incidentally, she announced her retirement after Australia won the World Cup. Sthalekar also led Australia in three ODIs versus New Zealand.

Peter King, Australian Cricket Hall of Fame Chairman, said: "Lisa Sthlalekar 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.

"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."

Clea Smith, former teammate and Australian Cricketers' Association board member, said: "Lisa is a very worthy inductee into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame. On the field, her stats with both bat and ball speak for themselves. She was one of the fiercest competitors going around, but always managed to do it with a smile on her face. Off the field, she has been every bit as impressive, using her voice and influence to break through barriers and advance the women's game from the grassroots through to the professional level. Young girls playing cricket today have a path to playing the game professionally thanks to people like Lisa who have helped pave the way," Smith said.

Mel Jones, former teammate and Cricket Australia board member, noted: "Lisa thoroughly deserves to be inducted in the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame. She now rightfully sits among the absolute elite cricketers of the women's game, joining Belinda Clark, Cathryn Fitzpatrick, Betty Wilson and Karen Rolton as members of both the Australian and ICC Cricket Halls of Fame.

"I was fortunate enough to play with Lisa and witness her develop as an outstanding all-rounder in all three formats of cricket. Since retiring, Lisa has been a commentating mainstay around the world and not only continues to play an important role in building the profile of the women's cricket but more importantly is a strong voice across both the men's and women's game. This induction is a fantastic recognition of Lisa's hard work and on behalf of Cricket Australia, I want to congratulate Lisa for her incredible contribution to the game on and off the field."