Clark handed legend status by Sport Australia Hall of Fame

Former Australia captain Belinda Clark has been elevated to legend status in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

Clark is just the sixth cricketer to be given the honour after Donald Bradman, Keith Miller, Richie Benaud, Dennis Lillee and Shane Warne with the Hall of Fame saying it recognises "excellence, longevity, resilience and lifelong contribution to their sports."

Clark was one of finest batters of all time, having averaged 47.49 in ODIs and 45.95 in Tests during an international career that spanned from 1991 to 2005. She was appointed captain at just 23 years of age and held the role for 11 years.

Australia won 83 of 101 ODIs and two World Cup titles under Clark's leadership. She also led the side in 11 of her 15 Tests. Clark was the first player, male or female, to score an ODI double-century when she hit an unbeaten 229 against Denmark at the 1997 World Cup.

Since finishing her playing career, Clark has been a central figure in growing women's cricket off the field which includes serving as a Cricket Australia administrator and member of the ICC Women's Committee.

"It's an unbelievable honour to be elevated to Legend status in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame," Clark said. "I am experiencing a combination of surprise, gratitude and pride. I played a team sport, and the reality is none of us achieve anything without the support and commitment of the whole team.

"I hope my team-mates along with the coaches, support staff and administration feel like they are a part of this recognition. Professionally, I am proud of where the sport is going. It is setting the pace in the ambition to be equitable and whilst there is still a way to go, I am bullish about the future."

Sport Australia Hall of Fame selection committee chair Bruce McAvaney said: "She's a trailblazer, an extraordinary batter, who changed the mode of play by attacking the bowling. Player, captain and ultimately the top-level administrator, her leadership and influence are unrivalled."

In 2023, Clark was honoured with a statue alongside other sporting greats at the SCG, and her impact is reflected in the medals established by CA and Cricket New South Wales in her honour.