Legend Christina Matthews inducted to Australian Cricket Hall of Fame
What's the story
Former Australia wicketkeeper and vice-captain Christina Matthews has been inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.
The prestigious honor was presented to her just before the start of the women's Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Matthews is known for her immense contribution to the game as a player and administrator.
Here's more.
Career highlights
Matthews's remarkable cricket career and records
As per ESPNcricinfo, Matthews also holds the record for playing the most Test matches for Australia (20) and stands sixth in the world.
She also holds the record for most dismissals in women's Test history (58) in her career from 1984 to 1995.
Apart from her Test match successes, Matthews played 47 WODIs and was part of Australia's victorious team at the MCG in the 1988 World Cup.
Administrative achievements
Matthews's significant contributions as a cricket administrator
Beyond her playing career, Matthews is also known for being a leading cricket administrator.
She was part of Australia's women's selection panel from 2007 to 2011 while working at Cricket New South Wales (NSW).
In 2012, she became Chief Executive Officer of Western Australia (WA) Cricket, spearheading an incredible period of success over a 12-year tenure.
Notably, both WA and Perth Scorchers won several domestic trophies in men's and women's competitions during this period.
Impact
Matthews's impact on women's cricket and recent achievements
Matthews was a key figure in the growth of women's cricket in Australia.
After stepping down as WA Cricket chief executive, she made history by becoming the first female president of the Australian Cricketers Association in December 2024.
For her contribution to cricket and women, Matthews was honored with the Member of the Order of Australia in 2024.
She is also an Honorary Member of the Melbourne Cricket Club and a life member of the Marylebone Cricket Club.
Gratitude
Matthews expresses gratitude for Hall of Fame induction
Speaking at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony, Matthews thanked her teammates, coaches, and family.
She said, "I had a choice where it could be presented and I didn't hesitate to choose this, such a historic occasion."
Additionally, she also recalled her World Cup final victory at the MCG in 1988 and added "I did play World Cup final here, which we won in 1988 and I think I spent the whole day just looking around."
Numbers
Here are the Hall of Fame inductee's career numbers
As mentioned, the former wicketkeeper played in 20 Tests (22 innings) and managed 180 runs while averaging 10.58.
Her highest Test score reads 34*. Meanwhile, in 47 WODIs Matthews amassed 141 runs with an average of 9.40.
She also boasts a high score of 22.
Additionally, while keeping wickets she managed 46 catches, and 12 stumpings (58 dismissals), with five being her most dismissals in Tests.
Overall, in ODIs, she has recorded 49 dismissals (35 catches, 14 stumpings).