Lisa Sthalekar latest to be inducted into Australian Cricket Hall of Fame

Sthalekar played eight Tests, 125 One Day Internationals and 54 T20 Internationals for Australia amassing 3,913 runs and taking 229 wickets across formats. The two-time ODI and T20I World Cup winner is one of the finest all-rounders the game has seen.

Sthalekar said that she is humbled to be inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame. "You look at some of those names, and you pinch yourself. I am very fortunate and blessed to have represented by country and my state," she said.

"As a player, there were plenty of times watching those players inducted in the auditorium, hearing their stories, and wonder how will I ever get a similar chance? Will my career ever be seen on similar lines as those of before me? I have got this opportunity now."

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Peter King, Australian Cricket Hall of Fame Chairman, said that they are honoured to welcome Sthalekar to the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.

“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," he said.

Former Australian cricketer and Australian Cricketers’ Association board member Clea Smith said that Sthalekar is a worthy inductee into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame. “She was one of the fiercest competitors going around, but always managed to do it with a smile on her face," Smith said.

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“On the field, her stats with both bat and ball speak for themselves. 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,” she added.

Melanie Jones, former teammate and Cricket Australia board member, said that Sthalekar rightfully sits among the elite cricketers of the game, joining the likes of 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. This induction is 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," Jones concluded. ​