Synopsis
Michael Bevan, the renowned Australian ODI cricketer, has been inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame. This recognition follows a revision of the selection criteria, allowing for equitable acknowledgment across various cricket formats.Key Takeaways
- Michael Bevan inducted into Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.
- New selection criteria include One-Day and Twenty20 Internationals.
- Bevan is the 66th inductee and third this season.
- Former world’s top-ranked ODI batter for 1259 days.
- Part of 1999 and 2003 World Cup winning teams.
New Delhi, Feb 3 (NationPress) Australia’s ODI batting legend Michael Bevan has been honored with an induction into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, thanks to a revision to the criteria for membership in this prestigious organization.
According to Cricket Australia (CA), a review of the selection criteria was conducted by the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame Committee and the Melbourne Cricket Club, which oversees the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), ensuring that all game formats available during different eras receive equal recognition.
With the updated selection criteria, two categories have been introduced for candidates to be inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame: either as a player or under the general category. Bevan now stands as the 66th inductee, joining Michael Clarke and Christina Matthews as the third inductee this season.
“It was Michael’s outstanding performance record and public reputation that compelled the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame Committee to reassess its selection criteria, ensuring that players who excelled in One-Day or Twenty20 Internationals are equally acknowledged as those who excelled in the Test format.
“Michael undoubtedly transformed white-ball cricket and became a household name due to his incredible batting skills, remarkable athleticism, and his talent for chasing down runs. In the late 90s and early 2000s, the name Bevan was synonymous with One-Day Internationals.
“His breathtaking performances drew fans to stadiums and televisions alike, showcasing the significant influence he had on the game of cricket in Australia and around the world,” remarked Peter King, Chairman of the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.
Bevan held the title of the world’s top-ranked men’s ODI batter for 1259 consecutive days between 1999 and 2002. He played a total of 232 ODIs, scoring 6912 runs at an average of 53.58, with six centuries and 48 fifties. He was part of Australia’s victorious teams in the 1999 and 2003 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups.
At retirement, he had the third-highest batting average among cricketers in men’s ODIs, and with the ball, Bevan took 36 wickets at an average of 45.97.
“Michael Bevan is a legendary figure and a trailblazer in one-day cricket, acclaimed as the original finisher. He was adored by fans for his extraordinary composure and aptitude for performing under pressure, leading to many unforgettable victories for Australia.
“As a two-time World Cup champion, he concluded his career with one of the finest records in 50-over cricket and was among the most prolific run-scorers in the Sheffield Shield during a robust period for Australian cricket.”
“Michael is widely acknowledged as one of the greatest one-day players ever, and it’s wonderful to celebrate his contributions to the sport through his induction into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame,” added Nick Hockley, CEO of Cricket Australia.
Representing Australia, NSW, Tasmania, South Australia, Yorkshire, Sussex, Leicestershire, and Kent, Bevan participated in 237 first-class matches, amassing 19,147 runs at an average of 57.32, which includes 68 centuries and 81 fifties, with a top score of 216.
