Women's CricZone is proud to announce that Melanie Jones OAM, former Australia cricketer-turned-broadcaster, has joined the organisation's Advisory Board effective immediately.
Jones, who was recognised in 2019 with one of Australia's highest honours, the Medal of the Order of Australia, for her services towards cricket and the community has been a Director of Cricket Australia since November 2019. More recently, she was appointed as a Full Member Representative to the International Cricket Council Women’s Committee.
“At a point in time where women’s cricket is experiencing some of it’s most impactful and positive changes and developments it is also having to deal with it’s most challenging and testing times. So, joining the board of Women’s CricZone to help navigate this from a media perspective is exceptionally exciting and one I take on with a huge sense of responsibility,” Jones said.
“Women’s CricZone has a wonderful opportunity to bring new ideas, voices and visions to the game and with a global approach I’m excited to play a part in such a dynamic and passionate platform.”
A former Victorian cricketer, Jones debuted for Australia in 1997 and was part of two World Cup winning squads - in 1997 and 2005. In 1998, at the age of 25, the right-hander scored a century on Test debut, helping her team to an Ashes triumph. Upon her retirement she sat third on the WNCL’s highest run scorers list with 3,338 runs.
Jones’ cricket career spanned 1995 to 2011 where she played for Surrey County, Essendon Maribyrnong Park premier club, and Victoria and Tasmania at State level. Following her retirement, she continues to be involved in the game as an administrator and popular broadcaster.
Expressing his excitement at Jones’ appointment, Yash Lahoti, Founder and CEO of Women’s CricZone said: “Mel is probably one of the biggest names we have in women’s cricket today. At Women’s CricZone, we refer to her as the ‘Voice of Women’s Cricket’. She has been one of our earliest supporters and always acknowledged the work we are trying to do.”
“She was one of our first podcast guests, first guest on our news show, the host of our first magazine launch and so on. Having her on board as an advisor is the perfect fit - we are nothing but happy. Her contributions to the game have been tremendous, and we hope to replicate the same at Women’s CricZone.”