Melanie Jones appointed as Director by Cricket Australia

“I’m excited to have this opportunity to work with the Board to strengthen cricket’s bond with the community and ensure a healthy and sustainable future for the next generations,” Jones said of her appointment on Wednesday (November 6). “I have much admiration for the work that has been undertaken over the past 18 months in particular, an incredibly challenging time for cricket, and testament to its place in the hearts of Australians.”

Earlier this year, Jones was awarded the Medal of Order of Australia (OAM), for her services to cricket and the community amongst a long list of accolades. Formerly a non-executive Director of Bowls Australia between 2014 and 2017, a member of the Victorian State Government Women in Sport and Recreation Taskforce in 2014-15 and a Red Dust Board Member, the former top-order batter also worked as a talent manager where she managed the careers of Australia’s leading athletes across sports.

“Mel has been an active and inspiring part of the cricket fabric for many years and we are privileged to have her join the Board,” said Early Eddings, CA Chair. “Australian Cricket has been undergoing significant change over the past two years and I’ve no doubt Mel’s experience on and off the field will be an asset to the team as we move into our next phase.”

“Mel’s commitment to the game and her advocacy, particularly for women in sport, will only bolster our continued focus on advancing cricket to be the number one sport for women and girls. Her understanding of the pressures and privilege of play, in addition to the challenges and opportunities of administration are a welcome complement to an already-strong team.”

“A trailblazer in cricket, it is only fitting that Mel is also the first female elected to the CA Board as a State nominee. The Cricket Victoria Board should be congratulated on their selection,” he added.

Between her international debut in 1997 and her last match in 2005, Jones played 61 ODIs and 5 Test matches for Australia. She scored over 1200 runs across formats including a century on Test debut against England in Guildford. In the Women’s National Cricket League— where she played for Victoria and Tasmania— upon her retirement, Jones sat third on the list of highest run-scorers in the Women’s National Cricket League with 3,338 runs.

Following her retirement from the game in 2011, Jones has stayed active covering the game both domestically and internationally in her role as a television presenter.

“Mel’s involvement in the game over the past decades allows a strong and personal understanding of the connection cricket has with the community,” said Paul Barker, CV Chair. “The team at CV are proud to have Mel represent the local perspective knowing she has the global good of cricket at heart. She is a true champion of the game”.

Over the past two decades, the 47-year-old has been a champion for inclusion and equality in the sport, advocating for indigenous involvement in the sport while also working towards great access and involvement of women in cricket at all levels. This includes five years as pathways, schools and female cricket development manager at CV between 2005 and 2011.