Christina Matthews Inducted into Australian Cricket Hall of Fame

Former Australian wicketkeeper Christina Matthews has been inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame. The announcement came just before the opening day of the historic Women’s Ashes Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Matthews played from 1984 to 1995. She played 20 Tests. She holds the record for the most Test matches by an Australian woman.

She also holds the record for most dismissals in women’s Test history with 58 catches and stumpings combined. Beyond her playing career, Matthews has been a trailblazer in cricket administration, shaping the game in Australia for over a decade.

A Career Marked by Records and Leadership

Matthews was part of Australia’s 1988 World Cup-winning team, a tournament held at the MCG. Over her career, she also played 47 One-Day Internationals while representing Victoria, New South Wales, and the Australian Capital Territory in domestic cricket.

After retiring, Matthews transitioned into cricket administration. She served on Australia’s women’s selection panel from 2007 to 2011. In 2012, she became the CEO of Western Australia Cricket. She held that role for 12 years.

Under her leadership, WA and the Perth Scorchers dominated domestic cricket. Her collaborations with coaches like Justin Langer and Adam Voges were instrumental in this success.

In December 2024, Matthews made history by becoming the first female president of the Australian Cricketers Association.

She was also appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 2024. Additionally, she holds honorary memberships with the Melbourne Cricket Club and the Marylebone Cricket Club.

Matthews received her Hall of Fame induction from Chair Peter King at the MCG, just 30 minutes before the toss for the Women’s Ashes Test.

An Emotional Moment for Matthews

Speaking at the event, Matthews expressed gratitude to those who supported her journey.

“Thank you to all my teammates who have been part of making this happen, those coaches who helped me enormously,” she said.

She also acknowledged the role of her family, adding:

“I also want to acknowledge my partner and family who are here today to celebrate this with me. My mum and dad are no longer with us, but you can’t achieve any of these things without the start they give you.”

For Matthews, the MCG was the perfect venue for such an honor.

“I had a choice where it could be presented, and I didn’t hesitate to choose this, such a historic occasion,” she said.

She recalled playing in the 1988 World Cup final at the same ground, calling it a dream come true.

Cricket Australia CEO Praises Matthews’ Contribution

Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley spoke highly of Matthews’ influence on the sport.

“I’m absolutely delighted Christina’s outstanding contribution to cricket over more than 50 years has been acknowledged with her induction into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame,” Hockley said.

He also highlighted her playing records. “Christina was an excellent Australian wicketkeeper and vice-captain, and her records for most Test appearances for Australia, as well as the most Test dismissals for any nation, still stand today.”, he further added.

“She was a powerhouse of Australian cricket, inspiring many transformative changes—particularly for the inclusion of women and girls,” Hockley stated.

As the cricket world celebrates the 90th anniversary of the first Women’s Test match, Matthews’ induction into the Hall of Fame feels particularly fitting.

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