Bill Lawry receives Hall of Fame honour

Former Australia captain and renowned television commentator Bill Lawry, 77, has been inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

"On behalf of Cricket Australia I congratulate Bill for his induction into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame. It is a thoroughly deserved honour," CA chief executive James Sutherland said. "Bill was one of the finest opening batsmen the game has seen and is part of an elite group who had the privilege of captaining his country.

"However Bill has made just as big an impact off the field as one of the most well known and loved cricket characters in the country through his long and fruitful association with the Nine Network. He has been synonymous with the game for generations of fans who have enjoyed his endless enthusiasm and insights."

Lawry played 67 Tests between 1961 and 1971, scoring 5234 runs at an average of 47, with 13 centuries and a best of 210. He captained Australia in 25 Tests in the last three years of his career. After he retired, Lawry began his career as a cricket broadcaster with Nine in the late 1970s.