Australian women cricketer Rolton inducted into ICC's Hall of Fame

Adelaide, Nov 24 (IANS) Former Australia womens captain Karen Rolton was inducted into the International Cricket Councils (ICC) Hall of Fame by Chief Executive David Richardson at a ceremony during the tea break on the opening day of the third Test between Australia and South Africa on Thursday.

Rolton was presented with a personalised cap by Richardson as she became the 81st player to be inducted into the elite list and the sixth woman to receive the accolade. Also present on the occasion was Cricket Australia Chairman David Peever.

Rolton represented her country in 14 Tests, scoring 1002 runs and taking 14 wickets.

She hit 4814 runs and claimed 85 wickets in 141 One-Day Internationals and managed a total of 405 runs and 3 wickets in 15 T20s.

Rolton said in an ICC release: "It's with great honour that I accept this award of being inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame. To be acknowledged like this is something that I never expected and am truly grateful to be listed amongst some of my all-time cricketing heroes."

"Cricket has been a part of my life since I can remember. From growing up in Adelaide and playing backyard cricket with my brother to captaining my state and country. It's been a childhood dream and one that I'm grateful for."

"I'd like to thank Cricket Australia, my team-mates over the years and most importantly my parents for supporting me playing cricket as a junior and right until the end of my career," she added.

"Finally, thank you to the ICC for inducting me into the Hall of Fame and your ongoing support of women's cricket."

Richardson said: "Karen had a long and successful career which saw several high points, including a century in an ICC Women's World Cup final. She proved her class time and again with superb performances, particularly in big matches making her so well respected. She was a player women cricketers from around the world looked up to."

"With increased investment, women's cricket has grown rapidly over the past few years but it is through the exploits and example set by players like Karen that young women and girls are inspired to take up the game. We congratulate Karen on behalf of the ICC for her successful career and for this well-deserved award.

Rolton is first of the four legendary cricketers who will be formally inducted into the ICC Cricket Hall of Fame this season. The other three are Muttiah Muralidharan of Sri Lanka, Australia's Arthur Morris and England's George Lohmann.

--IANS

sam/bg