Belinda Clark becomes first woman cricketer to be honoured with bronze statue at SCG

Sydney:  Australia’s legendary woman batter Belinda Clark became the first female cricketer has been immortalised with a bronze statue of hers in the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), making her the first female cricketer to get a sculpture.

Clark’s bronze statue has been installed at the entrance to the SCG’s Walk of Honour and was revealed for the first time ahead of day two of the third and final test between South Africa and Australia on Thursday.

The sculpture is believed to be the first such honour afforded any women’s cricketer in the world. The news that the SCG would house the statue was first announced back in early 2021 and was hailed as a welcome step. She joins an elite list of 73 male cricketers who have statutes in the precinct.

It was only Thursday that the name of the player whose statue would be included was announced.

Cricket Australia has congratulated Belinda Clark, a World Cup winner and a former Australia skipper, for getting this honour.

Belinda Clark compiled a formidable record for Australia as a captain and batter, including 919 Test runs at 45.95 including two centuries in 15 Tests and 4844 One Day International runs at 47.49 including the first double century in a Women’s ODI cricket.

She was Australia’s captain for 12 years and in 101 games and also led Australia to triumph in the 1997 and 2005 World Cups.

She joins Fred Spofforth, Richie Benaud, Stan McCabe and Steve Waugh as cricketers honoured with sculptures in the SCG precinct.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer Nick Hockley said: “I am absolutely thrilled that Belinda Clark has been honoured with a sculpture in the SCG precinct and becomes the first female cricketer to receive this recognition.

“Belinda not only compiled a superb playing record for Australia as a batter and captain; she helped inspire the current generation of cricketers and, as an administrator, has had a profound impact on community cricket and the growth in participation,” he said.

Belinda Clark said, I am excited to have the sculpture in place and for people to now look at it and perhaps wonder what that is, who that is and to be able to tell a bit of a story is really important.

“The sculpture encapsulates being able to have a go – to be courageous, to take on those challenges and break convention.

(Inputs from IANS)