Former Australia Wicketkeeper Christina Matthews has been inducted into the Australia Cricket Hall of Fame ahead of the Women’s Ashes test at MCG after Michael Clarke was inducted into the Hall of Fame on January 22.
The cricket-turned-commentator received the award before the opening day of the historic women’s test history with 58 in a career between 1984 and 1995. She also played 47 ODIs and was part of Australia’s 1988 World Cup victory at the MCG.
Starting her career in Victoria, Matthews also played for New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory.
She played more test matches than any other Australian woman, Matthews is perhaps best known for her significant contributions to Australian cricket as an administrator.
“Thank you to all my teammates who have been part of making this happen, those coaches who helped me enormously,” Matthews said.
A fitting inductee on a historic day for women’s cricket.
Congratulations to former Australian vice-captain Christina Matthews AM on her induction into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame. pic.twitter.com/zZwQMtFfY0
— Melbourne Cricket Club (@MCC_Members) January 30, 2025
“And I also want to acknowledge my partner and family who are here today to celebrate this with me and also my mum and dad are no longer with us, but you can’t achieve any of these things without the start they give youm” said Christina Matthews
“I had a choice where it could be presented and I didn’t hesitate to choose this, such a historic occasion.”
“And being from Melbourne myself, the MCG looms large as kind of the iconic ground in the world. So to be part of this and to be recognized in such a great environment is just incredible.
“I did play World Cup final here, which we won in 1988 and I think I spent the whole day just looking around. There’ll be plenty more people here today than there was then. But to get to play on this ground was an unbelievable dream,” concluded Christina Matthews.
On the other hand, Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley paid tribute to Matthews’ contribution to Australian cricket.
“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.
“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.
“After her playing days, Christina became an absolute powerhouse of Australian Cricket with her passion for our game inspiring many transformative changes – particularly for the inclusion of women and girls.
“In her role as WA Cricket CEO she oversaw a period of incredible success on and off the field, and she has in turn had a significant impact on Australian Cricket as a whole as a pioneer, leader and articulate voice for our game.
“Christina’s induction seems particularly fitting as we celebrate the 90th anniversary of the first Women’s Test match with the day/night Ashes Test at the MCG,” concluded Cricket Australia CEO Nick Hockley.
