After an incredible dedication of 30 years to the service of cricket, one of the greatest ambassadors of women’s cricket, Belinda Clark stepped down from her role with Cricket Australia on November 30. As the legend hung up her boots, some of the current Aussie players paid tribute to the 50-year old, who changed the game in such an unbelievable way.
Wicket-keeper bat Alyssa Healy expressed, “She is obviously one of the best players we have ever seen. What she has been able to do for cricket off the field is second to none really. She really pushed T20 cricket and has taken women’s cricket to a different level”.
The 21-year old leg spinner Georgia Wareham, said, “You hear so many stories of how great she was as a player and obviously she has a huge passion for the game”.
The vice-captain of Australia, Rachael Haynes, averred, “Growing up as a little girl, she has been someone who I watched play and I admired her a lot”
After 30 years of service to cricket, the great Belinda Clark today steps down from her role with @CricketAus.
Sit back and watch as some of our current stars pay tribute to an icon who changed the game in such an incredible way. Thanks BC! pic.twitter.com/ePwSn2njgf
— Rebel Women’s Big Bash League (@WBBL) November 30, 2020
One of the greatest all-rounders of all times, Ellyse Perry, said, “She has created a very strong legacy.”
The swashbuckling bat, Ashleigh Gardner, elucidated, “Growing up you always knew that Belinda was the first person to make a double century in an ODI.”
The 22-year old left-arm spinner, Sophie Molineux, stated, “After she retired, the greatest impact that she had on the game was that she moved the game forward.”
The Australian captain, Meg Lanning, reminisced, “While speaking to her after I took over the captaincy at a young age just like her, the advice that she gave me was really useful and something that I carry with me even today.”
The importance of Belinda Clark in Australian cricket history cannot be overstated. She’s so much of the reason why the game is where it is today both on and off the field. First ever double century in ODI’s in 1997 (13 years before Sachin) just one of her many feats. https://t.co/kxsFpsimhp
— Brandon Jack (@brandonjack33) November 30, 2020
The senior left-arm spinner, Jess Jonassen, posited, “The space that she has left is significantly better and I probably think that it was something she was set out to do”
I am a former cricketer having represented Mumbai University at All India University level. I was a part of MCA probables for the U-19 and U-23 age group. I have been an avid cricket writer for the last five years. Currently I am pursuing my Ph.D from IIT Bombay.