Grandstand named in honour of cricket legend Lyn Larsen

LISMORE cricket legend Lyn Larsen has been recognised with a grandstand named in her honour at the newly refurbished Oakes Oval.

It is another achievement for the 61-year-old, who was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame in 2023.

Larsen grew up on a farm at Tuntable Creek and attended Richmond River High School, where she began to excel at cricket.

By the time she was 22, she was the Australian women’s cricket captain and well on her way to a decorated career spanning from 1984 to 1994.

Her ongoing efforts on and off the field have helped pave the way for several Far North Coast female cricketers in recent years, including Sammy-Jo Johnson, Grace Parsons, Angela Reakes, and Georgia Redmayne.

“Back in 1988, we couldn’t fathom that women’s cricket would grow to how it is today.

“The pathways available for women are now set with local talent performing well, such as Grace Parsons, who did so well in the recent Women’s Big Bash League.”

Larsen played 15 Test matches and 49 one-day internationals for Australia. She captained Australia to World Cup glory in 1988 at the MCG. She also played in front of 30,000 people on tours of India.

She was instrumental off the field through her work with the International Women’s Cricket Council, which helped lead to its integration with the International Cricket Council—a move that has greatly benefited today’s players.

Larsen was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1999 and the NSW Cricket Hall of Fame in 2010.

In 2020, she was honoured with the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant services to cricket as a player, selector, manager, and coach.

Lismore mayor Steve Krieg said her sporting achievements deserve recognition for their lasting impact on the sport.

“Naming this grandstand in her honour is a fitting tribute to her legacy and a reminder of what our local talent can achieve,” he said.

“This grandstand will inspire countless young cricketers and sports enthusiasts, reminding them of the heights that can be reached with dedication and passion.”