Trailblazer honoured with statue in world first

AUSTRALIAN cricket legend Belinda Clark, one of the greatest women’s cricketers of all time, was honoured last week with the unveiling of a statue of her at the SCG.

Clark becomes the first female cricketer to be immortalised in a statue anywhere in the world.

She captained Australia’s women’s team for over a decade, won two World Cups and was the first cricketer – male or female – to knock a double century in a one-day game.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet, former teammates and family were among the large crowd to gather for the unveiling before play on day two in the men’s test between Australia and South Africa.

The sculpture was created by NSW artist, Cathy Weiszmann.

“I never see myself as a lone ranger, as someone that’s pioneered anything,” Clarke said on SEN Test Cricket after the unveiling.

“I see myself as part of a group of people… I see myself as part of a tribe and that tribe’s being recognised today.

“That’s how I view it… there’s a group of people working on a whole range of things.”

She described the shot she’s playing as: “essentially a back foot slash over mid-wicket… it’s pretty adventurous”.

SEN Test Cricket’s Rachael Haynes added it’s a statue that could inspire countless girls and women.

“It’s really special as a player to walk into a ground like this, or even a fan… and the first thing when you walk through gate A of the members is Belinda,” she said.

“And that’s pretty special, that wasn’t the case as a young girl growing up.”

Clark’s statue is the 15th at the SCG and joins fellow women Betty Cuthbert and Marlene Matthews, former sprinters who are at the front of Allianz Stadium next door.

– BY SEB MOTTRAM